Apprenticeships & Employment for 16-25

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes which start at Level 2 and go up to degree level. This training pathway gives you the opportunity to achieve a recognised industry qualification whilst developing work related skills in the workplace and earn a salary.

Entry requirements vary depending on the employer and training provider, however, these are often similar to college courses at the equivalent level. If you do not have the entry requirements for an apprenticeship, a Level 1 Supported Internship might be an alternative route into employment better suited to you.

Apprenticeship vacancies can be found on the National Apprenticeship website.

Self-employment/micro enterprises

There may be a number of reasons for choosing to become self-employed. You may have an idea for your own business, you may want to work in an environment which you can adjust to suit your needs or self-employment may be the best way of arranging a job around your skills. Setting up your own business can seem daunting and it is hard work but it can also be very rewarding and there are organisations that can offer help, guidance and financial support in the form of grants or loans.

One useful point of contact if you’re considering self-employment is the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus office. They can help you decide whether self-employment is a viable option and help you find sources of funding and support.

Disabled Entrepreneurs' Network

The Association of Disabled Professionals website aims to provide networking opportunities and share good practice for self-employed disabled people and those setting up their own businesses.

Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts are an organisation that support local people to run creative, engaging community micro-enterprises for autistic people, people with a learning disability, as well as older people and people with dementia. Find out more about Community Catalysts and how they can help you in Kensington and Chelsea here.

There are a number of organisations available to offer advice and support to people looking for employment in addition to the organisations listed above.

Balance

Balance are an employment support service for people who have a learning, physical or sensory disability and live in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

We support people to achieve their professional goals, helping them to engage into volunteer experiences, work experiences or paid employment.

Able2: helps 16-24 year olds with physical disabilities or long-term health conditions to achieve their employment, education and training goals. aged 16-24, who have a physical disability or long-term health condition. To refer, please email [email protected]

Job Centre Plus – Disability Employment Adviser 

This service can give help and advice to claimants looking for a job.

Employment agencies help employers recruit staff to temporary and permanent vacancies they have. 

Some people may be entitled to in work benefits or support via Access to Work. Find more information about the Access to Work fund on the Preparing for Adulthood website.

Here are some documents which you may find useful:

• Abel2 Presentation
• Abel2 Third Party Referral form

Action West London

Action West London delivers a number of projects which supports unemployed local people into Employment, Education or Enterprise from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes, NEET young people, including those with disabilities or emotional needs, ex offenders, refugees, Ethnically Diverse Women and other unemployed groups. People using the service receive support from a Personal Advisor who provides information, advice and guidance including:

• Confidence-building activities

• Life skills support

• Employability skills training

• Access to meaningful work experience, volunteering and links to local employment and training opportunities.

The service is provided through a mix of one-to-one and group support.

Here are some docuements which you may find useful:

• Action West London Service Brochure

The National Autistic Society offers an support for autistic jobseekers and employees. Find more information here.