Supported Employment
Somerset Supported Employment was established in 2019 to facilitate the development of Supported Employment throughout Somerset.
Supported Employment assists people with disability or disadvantage to access employment opportunities of their own choice and to become economically independent and socially active.
It is our ambition to see everyone who completes a supported employment scheme equipped with skills and confidence, and feel job-ready. Our students are aged between 16-25 and are on a Education, Health Care Plan which outlines any special educational need our students may have. Success to us is an individual moving into paid employment and thriving with their newfound skills.
A recent systematic review of research for Mencap and Beyer* found strong links between employing people with a learning disability and benefits for employers including:
- Better staff reliability
- Reduced sickness
- Lower staff turnover
- Increased customer loyalty
- Improved morale at work
*Beyer, S and Beyer, A (2017) A systematic review of the literature on the benefits for employers of employing people with learning disabilities. London Mencap.
Businesses who want find out more about Supported Employment and how Somerset Supported Employment can assist you in offering supported traineeships, internships and apprenticeships to students with special educational needs or disabilities, click here >