Broadening career aspirations of all young people

Local London’s Careers Hub team is committed to ensuring all young people across our sub-region get the best careers education and experience possible to broaden their aspirations.

Our team is engaging with young people with learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) to highlight the wealth of career and education options available. This is part of a wider strategy that includes training for careers leaders to promote LDD options, providing information and resources for schools and colleges, engaging with employers through Local London’s Ability NOT Disability workshops to encourage them to offer more opportunities to people with LDD.

Careers fairs dedicated to students with LDD and their teachers

Responding to the needs of students with LDD, our team recently organised two dedicated careers fairs for students at specialist and mainstream schools, held at Waltham Forest College and Bromley Campus of London South East College (LSEC) Trust.

Over 340 students between years 7 and 13, from 19 special schools and 2 alternative provisions across our sub-region came to:

• Discover a wider range of post-16 options.
• Talk to prospective employers.
• Find out about skills and training opportunities.
• Learn about how to make the most of apprenticeships and work experiences.

Sam*, who attended the event at Waltham Forest College said “I felt heard. I learned about different types of work experience, disability charities and courses. As well as support and training.”

Alfi, who came to the event at LSEC, said “Today has been good. I really liked talking to Capel Manor and learning about gardening.”

Parents, carers and teachers found it helpful too. David, one of the parents who came to find out more, said “This event has been so informative. There were very knowledgeable providers. It was super!” While, Emma, a teacher, commented “Today I’ve learned more about incorporating careers into the curriculum, and I now have more knowledge of post-16 and post-19 options.”

Brilliant businesses bring career options to life

34 businesses, training providers, and colleges came to the event to speak to students tell them about a whole gamut of exciting roles and careers pathways, including an employability programme for autistic young people, and supported internships.

Students and teachers were able to find out about different roles with the Met police, KPMG, and the Army. Taylor Wimpey and Lovells came to talk to students about different roles in the construction sector beyond usual manual jobs, including marketing, finance and how an interest in digital software can translate into the industry. Local Bexley SME, Taking the Pixels, explained how a creative interest could become a career in film and photography, captivating interest with some of their work and cameras.

Other highlights included the sensory smart cane which can be linked to apps brought by Vision Ability, and fidget toys and interactive gadgets brought Talper SEND.

Unity Works attended both events to highlight their training and supported employment programme. DWP were keen to spotlight skills and roles in many sectors, and ASK were on site to talk about apprenticeships.

Education providers including Waltham Forest College, London South East Colleges, Capel Manor, Learning and Enterprise College Bexley showcased courses to develop skills for work at a range of levels in everything from maths to horticulture. While Mencap and Carers Voice were able to provide advice on internships and support available as young people transition into adulthood.

Sarah Murray, Director of Local London said “Through our programmes, we are working to help young people and adults across our boroughs get into work. We recognise that many people have different needs; the events and training we are organising are designed to highlight opportunities and support available so that doors open.”

Alyaa, Learning and Enterprise College Bexley, said “Today has been a great day to speak to young people who may be interested in our tailored courses and to network with employers with whom we can find pathways for finding internships, apprenticeships or paid employment opportunities after they have finished studying with us.”

Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped support these events. We will be organising more!

Want to get involved?

Our team welcome businesses and individuals wanting to work with schools in our boroughs to share their careers stories and inspire our young people to explore all their options.

If you would like to be involved in our next LDD careers fair, please contact careershub.east@redbridge.gov.uk

⇒ Find out more about our Careers Hub East team.

⇒ Find out more about our Ability Not Disability training.

 

*Name changed.