Employment

Get Set for Work is a new inclusive support service delivered by Get Set UK for Essex County Council.

The programme brings new support services to adults with a learning disability and/or neurodiverse needs, living in Essex.

Working alongside Essex County Council and in partnership with ECL Inclusive Employment, Get Set for Work focuses on 3 key support services:

Employers looking to become more inclusive >

Employees struggling at work >

Individuals facing barriers to employment >

For adults with learning disabilities and Autism with ambitions of gaining paid work, the Inclusive Employment programme will enhance the opportunities available to you; by identifying possible employers, developing CVs, arranging and mediating interviews, offering skills development, work experience and on-the-job coaching.

Permitted work can help you learn new skills, build your confidence and start thinking about types of work you could do.

If you have a disability, illness, or health condition you may be able to do some work and keep your payments and National Insurance credits for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Essex County Council’s NEW Local Offer website has information for our families caring for under 25 years.

‘The Local Offer gives information about support available in Essex for children and young people aged between 0 to 25, with Special Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This part of the website offers information about helping young people to find work.

Essex County Council commissioned a research project in 2021 into employment for people with a learning disability and autistic people in Essex. The ECC Research and Citizens Insight team spoke with people with lived experience, their families and employers to research the needs, motivations and barriers to employment. There is also a video from Revealing Reality that accompanies the report.

ECC – Employment experiences of those with LD/A on Vimeo

ACL – Adult Education Courses and Apprenticeships in Essex offer work based training courses to support adults into the workplace.

ACL have gathered information from other organisations who support people with their employment choices.

The Meaningful Lives programme has helped Emily secure her first job. Her family was thrilled to find out she’d secured a position as a data processor at Essex County Council! Whilst in her new role, she’s transitioned from a quiet individual to a happy and confident member of the team. She feels happy, fulfilled and is more active outside of work, too.

A video produced by Essex County Council – Meaningful Lives Matter.

‘How to be part of the world of work’ is an additional section for the very popular Thinking Ahead Guide written by Christine Towers from Together Matters.

This video was produced by Essex County Council to highlight achievements of the Targeted Employment Team and Commissioning Teams to help people with disabilities get into work.

‘The Targeted Employment Team and Adults Disability Commissioning Team developed a Learning Disabilities and Autism Grant, enabling five businesses in Essex to employ people with additional needs. Craig secured a spot at ROK Kitchen, where he’s developed team working and social skills, and also learned to cook for himself and his family.’

 Essex County Council’s  Targeted Employment team  decided to create a range of job resources for young people and careers professionals in schools and colleges.

1. Broadening Horizons

Young people can have limited exposure to the variety of careers available. By showcasing different jobs, we help them see beyond the most commonly known professions and explore a wider array of possibilities.

2. Career Exploration

Providing information about different roles helps young people make informed decisions about their future. It can help them learn about the skills required, potential career paths, and what to expect in different roles, which aids in choosing a career that aligns with their interests and strengths.

3. Encouraging an interest in employment

Exposure to different sectors can ignite passion and interest in fields that young people might not have considered. This can lead to more motivated and engaged young people who are excited about considering meaningful employment when they leave education.

4. Skills Development 

Understanding a diverse range of jobs can help young people identify the skills they need to develop whilst in education. This can guide them in pursuing future relevant training and education and enhance their employability and career prospects.

5. Bridging the Gap

There is often a gap between what young people know about potential careers and what employers are looking for. We hope that our easy to read information will help bridge this gap and promote better understanding of realistic expectations and potential barriers to employment.

6. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Highlighting a wide range of jobs across different sectors also promotes diversity and inclusion! It encourages young people from various backgrounds to explore careers they might not have considered, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Their documents are therefore designed to be a user-friendly resource for any young person looking to initially explore world of employment. By providing clear and accessible information, they hope to support individuals in making informed career choices and ultimately achieving their goals.

Health and Care roles PDF

Retail and Sales roles PDF

Sport and Leisure roles PDF

Construction and Trade roles PDF

Food roles PDF