SEND students inspired to explore future careers through employability programme
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Around 40 supported learning students from Walsall College have been encouraged to believe in their future careers through a series of employability sessions and a workplace visit organised by Walsall Council.
The Employability and Neurodiversity Empowerment sessions brought together Walsall Council and HomeServe colleagues to share their career journeys, workplace experiences and lived experiences of neurodiversity.
The sessions were designed to show students that neurodiversity is not a barrier to employment, while highlighting the value that inclusive employers place on different ways of thinking and the strengths neurodiverse people bring to the workplace.
The programme was complemented by a SEND Internship Day at Walsall Council's Environmental Depot on 22 May, giving students an insight into the wide range of careers available across environmental services.
During the visit, students toured the depot, met council staff and learned more about the day-to-day responsibilities involved in keeping the borough clean and safe. Interactive demonstrations also helped build confidence in unfamiliar workplace environments while introducing potential future career opportunities beyond traditional office-based roles.
“ Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential and build a rewarding career.
"These sessions and the internship day have helped demonstrate that there are a wide range of opportunities available, whatever someone's background or abilities. By working with partners such as HomeServe and Walsall College, we can help young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and take the next steps towards employment. “
“ It was a privilege to meet so many enthusiastic students and share our experiences of the workplace.
"It has been incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence throughout the sessions, and I hope they leave knowing they have valuable skills to offer future employers. I am excited to see where their ambitions take them next.
“The programme was developed and coordinated through Walsall Council's Healthy Spaces team as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which connects local businesses and organisations with opportunities to make a positive difference in their communities. It is making a significant impact across the borough by helping residents build confidence, develop skills and realise their potential. “
The sessions had a positive impact on students' confidence and aspirations. Following the programme, 80 per cent said they would like to work in the future, while 70 per cent said they felt confident or very confident they could get a job. Confidence that employers would support their needs also increased significantly, rising from 45 per cent before the sessions to 80 per cent afterwards.
Students also shared positive feedback about their experiences, with comments including: "It has helped with my anxiety", "It has made me feel more confident", "I have learnt to focus on my strengths" and "They showed that disability can be a superpower."
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