Preparing For and Finding Employment
If I have SEND, is it realistic to think about paid work?
Absolutely. With the right opportunities, preparation and support, nearly all young people with SEND can move into employment. Paid work is good for us. It can give us financial independence, friends, and it’s good for our physical and mental health…
B&D Opportunities
B&D Opportunities is Barking and Dagenham Council’s dedicated portal to help you access training, jobs and business opportunities.
The Council’s free employment support service, B&D Works, has a specialist team and dedicated Supported Employment programme for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
Access this programme and 121 employment support by registering your interest. You can also explore their latest live job vacancies.
Access to Work
For young people who start a work placement with an employer as part of a supported internship or traineeship. Access to Work will fund:
- extra travel
- job coach
- costs of equipment, if appropriate
- extra support to help the smooth transition into paid employment
Routes into Work guide - NDTi
This guide provides information about options for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to help them move into paid employment.
Career Advice
Volunteering
Barking and Dagenham provides a variety of exciting volunteering opportunities in the council and local community. Contact our volunteering team for more information.
Mencap
Mencap provides job and training services that enable people with learning disability to find paid employment. Find out more on the Mencap website
Job Centre Plus
Jobcentre Plus disability employment advisers (DEA) support residents to find a job.
Each DEA helps clients with complex employment situations if:
• they have a disability or health condition
• they may need additional help with development
• they may need additional help with finding and retaining employment
DEAs will establish a close working relationship with the customer to decide the best way forward and gain the customer’s commitment to the decision. You can request support from the DEA by email or telephone, or at Barking Jobcentre Plus: 0345 604 3719 / barking.enquiries@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
National Careers Service
National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.
Barking Riverside Innovation in Construction (B R I C) training centre
The LBBD Barking Riverside Innovation in Construction (B R I C) training centre is the borough’s first onsite construction training centre, offering construction qualifications and training, plus brand new test centre facilities.
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council Apprenticeships
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham creates apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of work areas that combine work experience, training and a competitive London Living Wage salary.
Apprentices pay and the National Minimum Wage
- Aged 16 to 18: National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.
- Aged 19 or over and in your first year: National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is from £5.28 per hour.
- Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year: National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age
For more information, please visit the Find an apprenticeship page (Gov.uk).
Traineeship and Supported Internship
- specifically for those aged 16-24 with an EHC plan.
- the traineeship is tailored to individual needs, lasts up to 6 months and includes employability skills, work experience, maths and English.
- Learners are not paid but might be able to get help with travel expenses.
For more information and to search vacancies visit the Find a traineeship page (Gov.uk) or for supported internships, visit your local college website.