SEND information - part of our Local Offer
Vacancies
You can find live supported employment vacancies on the Somerset EBP website. You can also subscribe to receive information on careers activities in Somerset.
Somerset Council supported employment opportunities
We offer supported employment opportunities for young people with SEND and Care Leavers. These include apprenticeships and work experience placements. Apprenticeships usually last 18 months. Work experiences placements last up to 2 weeks. You will get support from your manager, tutor, job coach and learning support assistant. This support helps you build skills and do well at work.
There are different roles, including:
- Human resources (HR)
- Business administration
- IT
- Leaving Care services
Skills maps from Somerset EBP explain what each job involves, including tasks, skills and qualifications.
For more information, email HROD@somerset.gov.uk and ask for Misha Liddiatt or Michael Wood.
NHS SWAPs Programme
The SWAPs programme helps people start work in health and social care.
You can apply if you are:
- Aged 18 or over
- On a low income (below £17,004 per year)
- Unemployed or at risk of losing your job
The programme is free. It includes:
- 2 weeks of online training
- Gateway Level 1 qualification in health and social care
- 1 week of support with CVs and interviews
If you complete the programme, you are guaranteed an interview.
Jobs may include admin, healthcare roles and mental health support. Roles can be flexible, part-time or full-time.
Avon and Somerset Police Pathway to Employment
This programme helps you get ready for work. It supports you to:
- Build skills in real work settings
- Prepare for a job
- Become more independent
You must have an EHC plan and want to move into work. You will need to attend an interview.
You will:
- Work at Avon and Somerset Police at least 2 days a week
- Attend college for English, maths and job skills
- Build skills for work
Your progress will be tracked through your work and a portfolio.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a one-year programme to help young people with learning disabilities or autism get a job.
In Somerset, programmes run at:
- Leonardo, Sodexo and Kuehne+Nagel
- Thales
- Musgrove Park Hospital
- Yeovil District Hospital
You will:
- Learn job skills
- Work in different departments
- Build confidence and independence
You will also keep improving your English and maths.
You need an EHC plan and must want to move into work. You will need to attend an interview.
You will be supported to complete a DBS check before starting.