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.
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/carers.
CSW Group supports young people with an EHCP from academic year 9 if they are likely to make a transition to a different post-16 provider in year 11. Personal advisors work with all young people with EHCPs to support the move into post-16 education or training. They help you to think about what career you would like in the future, and plan what you can do when you leave school.
CSW also provides this support to young people in year 12 or above, who are making a transition to a different education provider. They also support young people with an EHCP if they are not in education, employment or training.
Support to get and keep a job
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 provides support and could include money, known as a grant, which you don’t have to pay back. It helps people who have a disability or long-term health condition to do their job. 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.
- Work and Health Programme helps you find and keep a job if you’re out of work.
Support from your employers
- Reasonable adjustments – these are things that can help you with your work. It’s important you talk to your employers about reasonable adjustments.
- The Equality Act 2010 is a law that exists to protect disabled people from discrimination when they use services or are in education or employment.
Supported employment
If you need more help than can be provided by an employer making reasonable adjustments a Supported employment schemes may be right for you. These offer high-quality, personalised support for people with disabilities, disadvantages, or both which helps them to find, access and stay in employment.
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.
Flexible working
Flexible working could be a great option for you if you have a disability or health condition. Many employers offer flexible working which includes job sharing and part time work so you can still be working and earning in a way that works for you. They may also offer the opportunity to work from home or in a different location.
Working for yourself
Being employed doesn’t always mean working for someone else. There is also the option to start your own business and be self-employed.
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub contains information about starting your business and growing it. Further information is also available on GOV.UK at Working for yourself.
Other useful information
- The Disability Confident Award is a government scheme which supports employers and their employees, helping them to support and employ people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
- 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.
- The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) has also made an Access to Work easy read fact sheet.
- 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.