SEND Employability Hubs

SEND Employability Hubs combine workplace and non-workplace learning to create and deliver a versatile programme, concentrating on the aspects necessary for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve independence and skills that lead to continuous employment.

These hubs offer learners tailored access to education, skill-building, and personal development. They also provide pathways to workplace experiences and supported internships, guiding them towards positive outcomes, including routes to paid employment.

Hampshire County Council collaborates with SEND Employability Hubs and local partners to ensure that young people with SEND are recognised for their valuable skills and talent in the workforce.

I wanted to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to work with you. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s really helped with my confidence and deciding about my future career. I have signed up to the plumbing course at BCoT next year.

Supported internships

On occasion the final year of the SEND Employability Hubs is a supported internship. These are designed as a stepping stone between education and employment. However supported internships can also be accessed as a stand-alone programme. For more information on the supported internships offered across Hampshire, visit the Family Information and Services Hub. You can hear directly from learners, parents, education providers and employers in the video case studies on this page.

Employability Hub information for individuals

You can contact your local hub if you are a young person who:

• lives in Hampshire
• has an education, health and care (EHC) plan issued by Hampshire County Council
• is leaving statutory education in the summer (moving into year 12)
• is enthusiastic and ambitious about your future job

If you are a young person interested in joining a hub when you turn 16, discuss this at your next EHC plan review or contact your SEN caseworker.

If you are unsure of your eligibility or want to discuss your EHC plan, contact the SEN helpdesk on 01329 316165 or via [email protected].

Our daughter received her first payslip today. Needless to say, she was delighted! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication getting her to this stage in her life. You have been absolutely pivotal and we will be forever grateful.

Employability Hub information for employers

If you are an employer interested in supporting young people with SEND to access employment, contact the Work Experience Team: [email protected].

If you would like to know more about the SEND Employability Hub Pilot, contact [email protected]..