Somerset Council supported employment opportunities

Somerset Council is proud to be able to offer supported employment opportunities through apprenticeships and work experience placements for young people with SEND and Care Leavers.  The apprenticeship is usually 18 months long, and work experiences placements up to two weeks.  You will receive dedicated support from your line manager, apprenticeship tutor, a job coach and learning support assistant. This wrap around support, we feel, will allow you to achieve your potential within a varied workplace.

There are lots of areas to work in, including human resources (known as HR), business administration, ICT, and Leaving Care Team.

Somerset EBP have produced skills maps that explain a bit more about these job roles.   For example the tasks, skills and qualification required.

For more information, email HROD@somerset.gov.uk asking for Misha Liddiatt or Michael Wood.

Please do keep an eye on Somerset Council’s jobs and career page for all current employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.

NHS SWAPs Programme

Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) is a training and support programme designed to help people into jobs and start a new career in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and across health and social care.

SWAPs are available to anyone (18 years plus) who is on a low income (under £17,004 pa), unemployed, has been made redundant or is facing redundancy.

The free training programme provides the introductory skills and knowledge needed to take up any of the hundreds of roles waiting to be filled by caring and motivated people across Somerset. There are two weeks virtual training leading to a Gateway Level 1 qualification in Health and Social Care, and then one week working on CV writing and interview techniques and NHS training modules depending on the roles.

All SWAPs candidates who complete their training are guaranteed an interview which could lead to jobs to suit every aspiration and circumstance with flexible and permanent opportunities.

You can choose flexible working in administration, Healthcare Assistant and Mental health roles. Or fixed term and permanent positions in roles across all departments, both full and part time.

Avon and Somerset Police Pathway to Employment

Pathway to Employment is a supported employment programme. The programme aims to develop skills in real-life opportunities to prepare you for the workplace. It will also support the development of independence skills in preparation for adult life.

Applicants must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move into employment. Entry is subject to a successful interview and initial assessment.

The programme centres on a work placement with Avon and Somerset Police which starts after October half term for at least two days a week.  You will attend lessons on site, at College, including English and maths, employability and tutorials. You will also develop your employability skills to support your progression within the workplace.

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence including photographs, practical and written assessments. Staff also observe you in lessons and on work placement. Your progress will be monitored using personalised targets through a learner journey. If not already achieved, you will be entered into English and/or maths qualifications at the appropriate level, Functional Skills or GCSE.