Apprenticeships are a type of work-based learning. Apprenticeships are real jobs with training so you can earn while you learn and pick up recognised qualifications as you go. Anyone living in England over the age of 16 and not in full-time education can apply.
Hounslow Apprenticeships page has lots of information about apprenticeships. You can find specific information relating to young people with SEND and apprenticeships in this section.
More information can be found at The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/
Students with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Small employers (50 employees or less) receive a £1,000 p.a. incentive for recruiting someone with an EHCP.
All employers receive free training when they recruit someone with an EHCP.
The EHCP names only the EDUCATION provider in Part I. The EHCP can help to fund learning support for 20% of time (1 day per week approx.) when students are learning or studying.
Students work on the employers’ premises for 80% of the time (4 days per week approx.)
Support such as job coach would be funded by Access to Work – a scheme run by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). When you apply for Access to Work it is good idea to add a heading of ‘Apprenticeship’ or ‘Supported Internship’, as applicable.
It is important to emphasise that your EHCP does not fund in-work support and that your needs are not care needs but work-based needs.
The Autism Project - Employment
Name: The Autism Project
Service Provider: CareTrade- The Autism Project
Type of Service: Education, Health and Well Being, Care, Transport, Growing Up, Employment, Housing, Leisure, Training, Information, Advice and Support
Age range: 18-25 year olds
Ofsted Report: Rating- Good https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/39/143526
The Service:
The Autism Project is a full-time 2-year supported employment programme for young autistic people who would like to work but feel they need more confidence and experience. Learners attend work experience placements in real working environments such as hospitals, hotels, shops and administrative offices.
TAP staff use person-centred planning and our aim is to support learners reach their individual goals as defined in their Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP). Throughout the course, there is a high level of 1:1 support and learners have access to weekly SaLT and tutorial sessions (PSHE) if needed. Learners also have individual targets set to improve their communication, confidence, and work skills, appropriate support is put in place to achieve these.
In the 2nd year learners are supported to develop their interview and job searching skills in weekly careers sessions. Once ready they will begin job searching (supported by TAP staff) and hopefully gain paid employment, a paid apprenticeship or further vocational training of their choice.
In addition, The Autism Project supports young people to improve their independent travel skills, become involved in their community and take steps to stay healthy through enrichment activities and social groups that run across all CareTrade services.
Who is the service for? Young autistic adults, living in London (or be able to travel into central London).
Criteria for access to service: A diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Condition, aged 18-25, wants to work. Has or is in the process of being assessed for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
How are decisions made to access the service: The Autism Project has an admissions policy and criteria which is strictly adhered to and is available on request.
Qualifications and Training provided: City & Guilds Qualifications (Entry 2 to Level 2) in Functional Skills (English & Maths) if needed, SkillUp sessions (skills for work), intensive supported work experience, mock interviews and job searching, a 121 independent careers advice and guidance session.
Accessibility of this service: Learners (and their parents/carers) are responsible for ensuring learners are able to get to and from work placements and home. We have job coaches and workplace mentors (who receive support plans and training on how to support our learners) who will assist learners with any daily needs or difficulties they may face in their work placements. Individuals also need to be responsible for their own personal care.
How can I access this service? We accept consultations from Local Authorities and will support young people and families to apply if they contact us on our website or email admissions@caretradeuk.org
All learners are required to have an EHCP in place prior to starting. Any additional support needs should be discussed when applying to ensure the correct support is in place prior to starting.
How is this service funded? A young person’s place is funded by their Local Authority. This usually requires an EHCP to be in place or for an assessment to be in progress.
Confidentiality and Impartiality: The service is confidential, and you will be asked for permission for us to speak with professionals on your behalf. We have a duty to report safeguarding issues.
Contact us:
Email: admissions@caretradeuk.org TAP@caretradeuk.org
Website: http://www.care-trade.org/
Twitter: @CareTradeUK
Instagram: caretrade.uk
Information on other projects at CareTrade
Weekend Café and Working Kitchen Traineeship is an opportunity to obtain work experience and prepare them for future employment. It also teaches trainees cooking skills, how to prepare food, following recipes, food safety and hygiene and provides opportunities for socialising and teamwork.
NEXT Programme is running from May 2023 to July 2023. It is for Neurodiverse individuals 25 years old and over in the London area. We can also offer places to anyone under 25 without an EHCP. The programme is tailored to provide personal career profiles, insight days, interview skills and job fair visits. We aim to offer an opportunity for individuals to explore and gain experience in various jobs and work placements.
In work support: We offer job coach support, training and consultancy in the workplace for employees and employers.
CareTrade provides in work support, which is funded by employers or through the government Access to Work scheme, please follow this link for more information about Access to Work funding https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
For more information, please contact us at info@caretradeuk.org