Preparing for adulthood - education and apprenticeships (SEND)

You need to stay in education or training until you are 18 years old, but once you turn 16 you leave your school and need to decide what to do for your post-16 education. 

You could go into further education like sixth-form or college, or you could get an apprenticeship or supported internship. Whatever you choose, you should have support so that you feel confident in your choices.

If you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), this may continue up to age 25 depending on your plan. Once you are 16, you can take more control over your EHCP.

An education, health, and care plan (EHCP) can continue until age 25, depending on the support you require and what you want to do after leaving school.

By the time you are in year 9 or year 10, you will probably already be thinking about what you want to do when you leave school in year 11. Thinking about this as early as possible can help you plan ahead.

The people who know you best and professionals who have supported you in your journey can help you with advice about what decisions to make. If you have additional or SEND support at school, you should speak with your special educational needs coordinator (SENDCo) for advice. 

If you are 16 or 17 and not in education, employment or training, you can contact our post-16 team on 01275 884 443 or e-mail neet@n-somerset.gov.uk or YES@n-somerset.gov.uk for more information and support.

When you turn 18, our transitions team can help you move from education into employment and there is information on this page about apprenticeships and internships. You may also want to consider university. The UCAS website has useful information to help students with additional needs.

In partnership with Weston College, we are proud to announce the arrival of Empower. Empower is an innovative initiative dedicated to supporting individuals with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, or autism on their journey to meaningful employment. 

The scheme is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

As one of four national Centres for Excellence SEND, Weston College seeks to support employers to create inclusive work environments, support diverse recruitment practices and enable people with learning differences to enter the workforce. 

This new initiative is part of the college's Supported Employment Excellence Hub, a network built to support individuals from 16 – 60 into paid employment.

Skills support for residents

Opportunity North Somerset is home to a wide range of services that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals or take those first steps back into work.

You can meet with our supportive employment coaches and discuss your goals, and find out more about:

• employment support
• career development and progression
• youth employment and wellbeing
• digital service access
• business start-up guidance

Employment and skills hubs 

Residents can access impartial advice and guidance at our Opportunity North Somerset Employment and Skills Hubs. They can advise what options will best help you meet your personal and professional goals. 

The hubs are situated in library spaces and job centres across North Somerset. 

If you would like more information or would like to chat find out how we can help you, please email us at Skillssupport@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship takes one to four years to complete and combines practical training in a job with studying. You will:

• work alongside experienced staff
• gain job-specific skills
• earn a wage and get holiday pay
• study toward a qualification

You might find it helpful to look at the websites of colleges in the area.

Supported internships

A supported internship is a way of preparing yourself for working in a paid job. It is aimed at young people who have an EHCP. On a supported internship, you will get:

• an unpaid work placement for at least six months
• support from a qualified job coach
• a personalised study programme