RIASS Redbridge
Redbridge Youth Hub
Redbridge Youth Hub is a one stop shop for young people aged 16-24 where you can find more information on education, employment, careers advice, apprenticeships and much more.
Supported Internships
Supported Internships is a pathway into employment for young people aged 16-25 with an EHCP, offered through Further Education Colleges or other post 16 education and training institutions (including independent schools). These placements are unpaid and last for a minimum of six months. They are a type of study programme where young people can 'learn on the job'. In Supported Internships most of the learning is done at work and some in college. This guide provides more information about supported internships. The way the education and training is delivered should be specified in section F of your EHCP and the institution(s) to be attended (if any) in section I.
Traineeship
A traineeship is another alternative route into employment or an apprenticeship and it can last up to 6 months. Its aim is to provide work preparation, english and maths training for those that need it and work experience. A traineeship is for young people aged 16 – 24 who are unemployed, have little or no work experience, and do not have a Level 3 qualification.
Help with finding a traineeship is available at GOV.UK – Find a traineeship.
Apprenticeship
You can undertake apprenticeships with an EHC plan, provided the apprenticeship is below Level 4 (i.e. not higher education). Apprenticeships are a combination of practical training in a job combined with study. They can take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on the level you undertake. As an apprentice you will be paid for working at least 30 hours per week and will get paid holidays. You will be studying for a qualification either in your place of work or in a classroom, for example 4 days per week in the workplace, and one day per week at college.
You can find out more about apprenticeships and search for opportunities on Gov.UK
Disability Rights UK – Into Apprenticeships Guide is for disabled people, parents and key advisers about applying for apprenticeships in England. It contains a useful resources section listing further websites, publications and organisations which can help.
If you feel the need to develop your employability skills and self-confidence before you get a job, there are good opportunities to join a pre-employment or employability skills programme.
When you feel confident and work ready, there are organisations who can help you to look for a job, write a CV and make an application. Once you have a job, there are also organisations who can help you to get the right support from your employer.
The Redbridge Connexions Team can support you with the above.
The Redbridge Connexions Team provides careers information, advice and guidance on further education, training (apprenticeships, traineeships) and employment options, to young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), young people at risk of becoming NEET and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND).
They work with young people aged 13 to 19 (up to age 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) who live in Redbridge and they offer a telephone service. To talk to a Connexions Adviser call 020 8708 2600.
Volunteering is a good way to gain experience in a chosen field and there are lots of vacancies available in Redbridge and the surrounding areas
Looking for a job can be a job in itself. Work Redbridge can help make the whole process easier for you. They can give you impartial information, advice and help you apply for the jobs you want and support you to improve your future employment prospects.
The Work Redbridge service is open to any Redbridge resident aged 18 or older.
Their advisors can offer free support with:
Work Choice provides help to get and keep a job if your disabled and find it hard to work. The type of support offered depends on needs and is different for everyone, but can include: training and developing skills; building confidence; interview coaching.
Useful links
Ellingham Ellingham Employment Services Ltd is a registered charity who support people with disabilities to learn and develop vocational and life skills.
Care Trade Care Trade are a national charity who support and prepare autistic people for employment.
Looking for work if you’re disabled Government website which provides information for disabled people to gain new skills, participate in work programmes and about disability-friendly employers in your area.
Scope Scopes support to work programme is a free online and telephone support programme for disabled people who are looking for paid work.