Training and Further Education

Embarking on further education or training is an exciting step that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, especially for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here's some helpful advice to help you navigate this journey into further education or training:

Self-Discovery:
- Reflect on your interests, strengths, and passions. Consider how they align with different courses or training programs.
- Identify any accommodations or support you might need to succeed in your chosen educational path.
Research Options:
- Explore various educational institutions, programs, and training providers.
- Look for programs that are known for their inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with SEND.
Seek Guidance:
- Reach out to career counselors, disability advisors, and mentors who can provide insights and recommendations based on your aspirations and needs.
Reasonable Adjustments
- Research the reasonable adjustments available at the educational institution or training provider. Ensure they can provide the support you require.
- Start discussions about reasonable adjustments early in the application process to ensure a smooth transition.
Visit and Inquire:
- If possible, visit the institutions you're considering. Attend open houses, campus tours, or online information sessions to get a feel for the environment.
Application Process:
- Pay close attention to application deadlines and requirements.
- Highlight your skills, experiences, and any achievements on your application to demonstrate your suitability.
Financial Planning:
- Research financial aid options, scholarships, grants, or tuition waivers available for students with disabilities.
- Create a budget to manage your educational expenses and living costs.
Transition Plan:
- Develop a transition plan that outlines how you will manage the change from your current situation to the new educational setting.
Communication:
- Openly communicate with the admissions office or disability support services about your specific needs and accommodations.
Build a Support System:

Connect with other students, support groups, or online communities that cater to individuals with SEND. Sharing experiences and advice can be invaluable.

View our Education Category for detailed information on Settings and Providers

Further Support

Career Connect

Career Connect is an information, advice and guidance service. For young people with an EHCP, the service is offered up to aged 25. Career Connect Personal Advisers can help you find and apply for jobs, training, education, voluntary work or leisure activities.

Tel: 0151 556 2620

Email: adviser@careerconnect.org.uk

Website

Best Bites (Wirral Evolutions)

Best Bites is one of the vocational services within Wirral Evolutions that provides training for adults with both physical and learning disabilities, adults on the autistic spectrum and people with mental health issues. Providing a person-centred service, that offers people the opportunity to train in a real working environment in the centre of local communities on the Wirral

Tel: 0151 637 2030

Email: referrals@wirralevolutions.org

Website

Community Action Wirral

Search for local volunteering opportunities in the community.

Tel: 0151 353 9700

Email: info@communityactionwirral.org.uk

Website

Department for Work and Pensions DWP

DWP aims to 'promote opportunity and independence for all' through 'providing work for those who can and support for those who cannot.' Your local job centre (Birkenhead or Upton) also has 'Disability Employment Advisors' who have access to additional funding and schemes for those with additional needs.

Tel: 0800 169 0190

Website

Do it

Website with a search engine to help you find volunteering opportunities - can be filtered by areas of interest and location to help you find local opportunities.

Website

Even Break

Jobs board for disabled candidates - search for job opportunities with Disability Confident employers.

Tel: 0845 658 5717

Email: info@evenbreak.co.uk

Website

Merseyside Community Training MCT

The Youth Employment Hub is accessible to all young people aged 16-24 for employment and training support with a vision of then progressing onto a positive destaination. The Hub embraces a collaborative approach by working with a host of partner organisations and key stakeholders to ensure that members have access to the best possible provision to support their individual needs.

Tel: 0151 294 4460

Email: info@mymct.co.uk

Website

Steps to Work @ Strawberry Fields

The Steps to Work programme is a 12-18 month programme which reaches out to people with learning difficulties, autism or other barriers to employment. Alongside this is 'Steps to Volunteer' for those who want to take the next step in their volunteering journey and receive a formal qualification, and Recycles - an hands on programme based at the Recycles Project in Liverpool City Centre.

Tel: 0151 252 6130

Website

Supported Internships

A Supported Internship offers young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan the opportunity to gain practical work-based learning experience, providing a smooth transition from education to paid employment and further study. Students on the internships spend 3 days a week in employment and 1 day a week at college developing employability skills.

Tel: 0151 551 7777

Website