Applying for and getting a job is a big and exciting step. When you get a job, you can earn your own money, meet new people and be independent. There are lots of things you can do to get ready for a job.
Looking for work
The government’s job help website has lots of guidance and tips on applying for jobs; including how to write a CV and tips if you have a remote interview. It also has information about the extra support available for people with a disability or a health condition.
Devon County Council’s Skills website has lots of local information for people looking for a job, a career change, including young people and their parents or carers.
Support to get a job
Employment hubs
Our learning, employment and skills hubs provide in-person support and information about different career options, jobs and learning opportunities to adults and young people in Devon.
Find out more about the six employment hubs in Devon.
Post-16 Learning Participation Team
Devon County Council’s Post-16 Learning Participation Team supports young people as they make important transitions in their lives. We provide targeted support to young people in education, and also provide support for young people post 16 that are not in education, employment and training.
Support from your local Jobcentre
If you’re claiming benefits, your local Jobcentre is a great place to start. Work coaches can help you find a job or gain new skills. They’ll also know about disability-friendly employers in your area.
If you need additional support, they can also refer you for an ‘employment assessment’ to find out more about your skills and experience, and the kind of roles you’re interested in.
If you have a disability or health condition, there are schemes and resources available to help you find and keep a job. Ask about these at your local Jobcentre.
Access to Work
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:
- a grant to help pay for practical support with your work
- support with managing your mental health at work
- money to pay for communication support at job interviews
Access to Work guides in easy read format explain what Access to Work is and how you can apply for it. Access to Work factsheets are also available on the government website.
Disability friendly employers
The Disability Confident employer scheme s a government scheme which supports employers and their employees, helping them to support and employ people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.. There are three levels:
- Disability confident: committed
- Disability confident: employer
- Disability confident: leader
When you are looking for a job, look out for the Disability Confident badge.
Other useful information
- Preparing for Adulthood’s guide about routes into work is useful and provides information about options for young people with SEND to help them move into paid employment.
- Preparing for Adulthood also offers useful information about the Access to Work Fund.
- National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices.
- GOV.UK: Benefits and financial support if you’re disabled or have a health condition
- GOV.UK: Benefits calculators – if you are thinking about moving into work and want to know how your benefits may be affected, you can do an ‘in work’ benefit calculation.