Employability

Taster sessions in work and employer engagement sessions in college – I try it to see if I like it and to see what’s on offer.
Work Experience – I find out whether I really like it over a period of time.
Internships/Supported Internships– I will be supported to develop the skills over a period of time to do the job.

At TWSC we believe our students have the ability to get into paid employment. Our role is to prepare them for this leap into adulthood and equip them with the skills to be successful. They will be provided with opportunities to experience a range of different jobs and in different industries so they are able to make an informed decision about their next steps into employability. All other curriculum areas support the route to employment, for instance Independent Life and Living combines a range of skills including traveling to work and from work and preparing for the day at work.

There is a sequence to preparing for employment and the time it takes is dependent on the individual.

1. Taster sessions in work and employer engagement sessions in college
I try it to see if I like it and to see what’s on offer.

This academic year we have employer visits to Midland Metro Alliance, The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton, Savills Merry Hill Shopping Centre, KPMG Birmingham, Voices For Choices, STEM Ambassador engagement and McDonalds .

Experiences in workplace environments can contribute to the development of confidence and self-esteem our TWSC Students. Contact with employers and visits to workplaces offer practical, hands-on experiences that can greatly benefit our students in their personal and academic development, as well as in their preparation for future careers. Hence why these take such a prominent place in our curriculum offer. Feeling capable in a real-world setting can empower them to pursue their goals with greater determination and have many other benefits such as…

Real-world Learning Experience:

Exposure to actual workplaces allows TWSC students to experience real-world scenarios, promoting experiential learning. It helps them understand the practical application of the skills they learn in college and how they relate to different jobs and industries.
Career Exploration:

Contact with employers and workplace visits expose TWSC students to a variety of careers, helping them explore different options and discover their interests and strengths. It can broaden their horizons and challenge stereotypes about certain professions, allowing them to make more informed choices about their future careers.
Networking Opportunities:

Building connections with employers can open up networking opportunities for TWSC Students This networking can be valuable for future job searches and career development.
Understanding Workplace Expectations:

Exposure to workplaces allows TWSC Students to understand the expectations and norms of different work environments. This understanding can help them better prepare for the transition from school to work and adapt more easily to professional settings.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Successful interactions with employers and positive experiences in workplace environments can contribute to the development of confidence and self-esteem our TWSC Students. Feeling capable in a real-world setting can empower them to pursue their goals with greater determination.
Individualised Support:

Workplace visits can also be an opportunity for employers to understand the specific needs of SEND young people and provide tailored support. This can lead to a more inclusive work environment and help employers make adjustments to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Transition Planning:

For TWSC students approaching the transition from college to work, contact with employers and workplace visits can play a crucial role in transition planning. It allows for the identification of potential barriers and the development of strategies to overcome them.
Inspiration and Motivation:

Meeting professionals in various fields can inspire our pupils and motivate them to overcome challenges. Seeing individuals with similar needs succeed in the workplace can be a powerful motivator for students facing similar circumstances.

2. Work Experience

I find out whether I really like it over a period of time.

This academic year college pupils access work placemats two days per week in the local community . Placements include The Westminstore. The Black Country Living Museum, Salvation Army, Kenzies Kitchen, Wendy Salt and Pepper Pot, The Crusty Cottage, The Craft House and Mitie.

Work experience placements offer a multifaceted learning opportunity for TWSC Students, addressing not only academic and vocational skills but also personal and social development. It plays a vital role in preparing our young people for a successful transition from college to the workforce hence its importance in our curriculum offer. Work experience placements are really beneficial for TWSC students for several reasons:

Skill Development:

Work experience provides opportunities for TWSC Students to develop and enhance various skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and specific vocational skills related to the workplace.
Real-World Application:

It allows TWSC Students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations. This practical application reinforces their learning and helps them see the relevance of their education.
Career Exploration:

Work experience exposes TWSC Students to different professions and industries, helping them explore various career paths. This first-hand exposure can aid in making informed decisions about their future careers.
Building Confidence:

Successfully navigating a work environment can boost the confidence and self-esteem of TWSC Students. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment and demonstrates their ability to contribute in a professional setting.
Transition Preparation:

For SEND pupils transitioning from college to the workforce, work experience placements offer valuable preparation. They become familiar with workplace expectations, routines, and social dynamics, making the transition smoother.
Inclusive Learning Environment:

In a work experience setting, employers and colleagues often become more aware of the specific needs of our pupils. This can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive learning and working environment.
Social Skills Development:

Work experience provides opportunities for TWSC Students to interact with a diverse group of people. This can help improve their social skills, including communication, collaboration, and understanding social cues
Increased Independence:

Negotiating a workplace environment allows TWSC Students to develop a greater sense of independence. They may learn to navigate public transportation, manage their time effectively, and take responsibility for tasks assigned to them.
Preparation for Adulthood:

Work experience is a crucial component in preparing TWSC Students for adulthood. It provides insights into the expectations and responsibilities of the adult world, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence.
Improved Motivation:

Positive experiences during work placements can significantly increase motivation among TWSC Students. Feeling valued and capable in a work setting can inspire them to set and pursue meaningful goals.

3. Internships/Supported Internships – I will be supported to develop the skills over a period of time to do the job.

We have brokered relationships with DPD and Sandwell and Birmingham NHS to offer placements and rotations to our college pupils. Supported Interns are supported by our highly trained and experienced TSI Job Coaches. Following on from the three stages to prepare for employment which are:

• Direct Employment
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships

Personalised accreditation programmes are closely knitted to the needs of the individual and the employer. We work closely and in collaboration with the business area and the individual to identify accreditations to ensure they can be successful in sustained employment.

Supported internships offer a structured and supportive approach to work-based learning for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here are several benefits associated with supported internships and becoming one of our supported interns ..

Inclusive Learning Environment:

Supported internships create inclusive learning environments where individuals with SEND can participate in real workplace settings, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Skill Development:

Interns have the opportunity to develop a range of vocational and employability skills relevant to the workplace, including job-specific skills, communication, teamwork, and time management.
Real-World Experience:

Interns gain practical, hands-on experience in a real-world work environment. This experience is invaluable for applying theoretical knowledge, understanding workplace expectations, and building confidence.
Tailored Support:

Supported internships provide individualised support to address the specific needs of each intern. This support can include accommodations, adaptations, and assistance from job coaches or support workers.
Transition Preparation:

Supported internships are designed to prepare individuals with SEND for the transition from college to work. They help bridge the gap between education and employment, easing the transition process.
Employer Engagement:

Employers play an active role in supported internships, providing valuable input, guidance, and mentorship to interns. This engagement fosters positive relationships between employers and TWCS Students. At The Westminster Specialist college we are fortunate to partner with two amazing local employers DPD and Sandwell and Birmingham NHS.
Increased Independence:

Through gradual exposure to workplace responsibilities, interns can develop increased independence. This can include traveling to and from the workplace, managing work tasks, and making decisions independently.
Career Exploration:

Interns have the opportunity to explore different careers within a supportive framework. This exploration helps them make more informed choices about their future employment and career paths.
Personal and Social Development:

Supported internships contribute to personal and social development by promoting social skills, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging within a workplace community.
Positive Outcomes:

Research indicates that supported internships can lead to positive outcomes, including increased employment rates and improved post-internship opportunities, such as apprenticeships or sustained employment. Last academic year 22/23 all supported interns gained paid employment following their placements.
Community Integration:

Supported internships facilitate the integration of individuals with SEND into the broader community. This integration is essential for breaking down barriers and promoting social inclusion.
Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem:

Successfully completing tasks in a supported internship setting can significantly boost the confidence and self-esteem of individuals with SEND, fostering a positive attitude toward work and future opportunities.