Celebrating Our SEND Work Experience Partnerships
Employers
At Weston College, we recognise the importance of providing learners with SEND access to valuable work experience opportunities. Currently, only around 5% of people with learning disabilities in the UK are in employment. We are committed to helping improve this statistic, and meaningful work experience plays a vital role in that effort.
Fortunately, we have developed strong partnerships with local stakeholders who share our commitment to improving employment opportunities for learners with SEND. Through these collaborations, learners on our Preparation for Life course are given the opportunity to practise the employment skills they develop at college within real-world working environments. At the same time, our partners are enhancing their knowledge and understanding of how best to support individuals with SEND in the workplace.
With this in mind, we would like to shine a spotlight on some of these fantastic providers.
Firstly, Weston-Super-Mare Library has supported four learners with placements this year: Jordan, Coby, John, and Jordan. All have spoken highly of their experiences and the support they received from the library team.
Jordan shared: “I have learnt to recognise the skills and qualities I need for work and getting the chance to put them into practice has been really fun.”
We would like to send a massive thanks to Charlotte Rumble and all the team at Weston-Super-Mare Library.
A huge thank you goes to Weston-super-Mare Foodbank Warehouse. Lucy Cooper and the team have been dedicated to providing meaningful work opportunities for our learners for a number of years. Their continued commitment to supporting each learner as an individual, helping them to develop their skills while also understanding the vital role the Foodbank plays within the local community, has enabled many learners to work towards and achieve their aspirations.
This year, Weston-super-Mare Foodbank has supported six learners: Emily, Lexie, Jack, Zyisha, Bailey, and Kaylum. Kaylum shared:
“I love going out to the foodbank on Wednesdays. We get to work and help people. I want to have a job after college.”
Somerset Wood Recycling Centre
Next on our list of local stakeholders to thank for providing work experience opportunities for learners with SEND is Somerset Wood Recycling Centre.
Tom and the team at Somerset Wood Recycling Centre have supported two learners from the Preparation for Life course this year and are keen to continue this partnership into the next academic year. Ben and Brad have both benefited from these placements, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Brad shared his experience, saying: “I have thought about studying carpentry in the future, and going to work here has helped me with my decision-making.”
Strawberry Line Cafe and Cycle Project
We would also like to highlight the fantastic support offered by the Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Project.
Sally Willcock and the team at the Strawberry Line have worked closely with us to provide truly meaningful opportunities for three learners this year. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to learner development and growth through practical, hands-on experience, working in partnership with us to prepare learners for their next steps.
Abbi, Kane and Ava have all taken part in placements at the Strawberry Line this year. For Ava, this opportunity has provided the confidence to progress onto the Supported Internship programme at Weston College. We wish her the very best of luck as she takes this next step.
The Greenhouse Cafe and Lauriston Hotel
Finally, as part of our commitment to recognising the invaluable contribution of local stakeholders who provide work experience opportunities for learners on the Preparation for Life course, and who are helping to improve employment outcomes for individuals with SEND across the UK, we would like to extend our thanks to The Greenhouse Café and the Lauriston Hotel. Nicole Day, along with the teams and both the Lauriston Hotel and Greenhouse Café have shown a continued commitment to supporting these learners to develop their skills.
This year, they have supported Luke, Hayden, Lauren, Joel and Brad by offering opportunities to experience real working environments and develop key employability and teamwork skills that will support them in their next steps.
Luke, who attended a placement at the Lauriston Hotel, shared: “I am going to IntoWork next year, and working with others at the Lauriston Hotel, as well as developing my skills in the simulated Grove Café lessons at college, makes me feel ready to work hard.”
