SEN employment initiative set to expand
Neil Puffett
Thursday, June 21, 2018
A programme helping young people with special educational needs (SEN) into employment is set to double in size over the next three years, it has been announced.
The initiative, called Project SEARCH is open to final-year school students with special educational needs, who undertake a year-long placement at a host business or organisation.
All students receive advice and guidance from job coaches and tutors alongside workplace mentors who provide coaching and support as the young person learns new work skills. As well as gaining year-long "on the job" experience, students also complete an employability skills curriculum that teaches practical skills and knowledge including CV writing and interview skills.
The initiative currently runs across the UK through partnerships with local authorities, NHS trusts, and businesses including GlaxoSmithKline and Marriott Hotels, having initially originated in the United States.
In order to increase the number of students taking part from 500 to more than 1,000 by 2021, a new charity called DFN Project SEARCH is being established by businessman and philanthropist David Forbes-Nixon.
Last year, around two-thirds of participants gained paid work following participation in the programme, compared with a national employment rate for young people with SEN of six per cent.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the programme makes a positive difference to the employment prospects of young people with SEN.
"I am delighted that the next phase in its development will see improved access to this scheme across the UK, new school-based employability skills programmes and further improvements to training opportunities," he said.
David Forbes-Nixon said: "Gaining real employment can have a transformative and life-long impact for a young person with special educational needs. It builds confidence, social skills, emotional resilience and allows young people to lead full and increasingly independent lives.
"Project SEARCH's unique and immersive model has a proven track record of helping young people with SEN to gain paid employment.
"We are excited about the prospect of giving more young people the opportunity to take part and would urge businesses to consider getting behind the scheme, which not only makes a positive difference to young people but also helps provide a new talent pool of potential new employees who can play a role in sustaining and growing your business."