Help for people with additional needs

For some people with additional needs or disabilities, finding work or opportunities to advance their skills may not always be easy. Here in Knowsley there are lots of local groups and organisations that can offer support.

Supported Internship programme

Knowsley college’s Supported Internship Programme is a partnership between Knowsley Community College and Knowsley Council, aimed at giving young people (aged 16-25) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which could lead to future employment or voluntary work.

How long will the programme take to complete?

The programme starts in September and runs over one academic year, giving interns the chance to experience a full-time work placement throughout the year.

What does the programme involve?

Each intern will attend a weekly work placement, gaining valuable skills and experience, as well as attending college one day a week to develop their employability and independence skills with their Job Coach and Employability Tutor.

In order to find the right placement for our interns, they will complete a Vocational Profile. This will focus on the intern’s preferences of placement, taking into consideration any past experiences of paid or voluntary work. We will accommodate the students’ support needs within the working environment to ensure these are met for all internships.

Further information

Click here for more information.

Or for more information or to apply, please get in touch with the team.

Supported Internship Co-Ordinator

Email: siadmin@knowsleycollege.ac.uk

Flourish Further Education

Flourish Further Education is delivered by Knowsley Education and Inclusion and is part of FACE (Family And Community Education). It is a post-19 specialist education centre for young people with high needs.

Flourish FE provides an individualised, flexible education programme - Preparing for Adulthood. Over 60% of the programme will be delivered in the community to help young people build the skills and experience they will need for the future, helping them to develop their independence and transition into adulthood.

For more information contact Vicky.bolster@knowlsey.gov.uk.

Liferooms

This service is available as a drop-in through our libraries or by a referral from a mental health service. Liferooms work with various other local partners to help people move into employment.

Our Children’s Social Care team provide support for cared for or care experienced people to prepare for and access a job. Speak to your Social Worker for more information.

Merseyside Youth Association provide one on one mentoring for young people who struggle with their mental health, including people with special educational needs, to access employment. They also provide a Talent Match service for people aged 15-29 who are not in education, employment or training or have not worked for 12 months.