The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is seeking a delivery partner to help progress efforts to give more young people access to inclusive, high-quality careers education and work experience, particularly those who are at risk of falling through thegaps.
Up to £60,000 is available through the West of England Careers Hub for an experienced delivery partner to design and deliver a high-quality work experience programme for young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
Between October 2026 and July 2027, the successful organisation will work collaboratively with secondary schools, employers and the Careers Hub to increase access to meaningful workplace experiences.
Organisations who have previous experience of collaborating with schools and employers, and a proven track record of making a positive difference for young people with SEND areinvited to submit proposals. The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday 9 September.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England said:
“We are determined to make the West of England the first NEET Zero region in the country, where every young person can see a future for themselves in the world of work.
“For young people with SEND, inclusive, tailored work experience can make a huge difference in helping to build the skills and confidence to succeed. We are looking forward to working together to help make that happen.”
In July, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s eighthannual Careers Conference brought together over 120 careers professionals from schools, colleges, special educational needs (SEND) schools and partner organisations to discuss the importance of inclusive opportunitiesfor young people with SEND.
Drawing on her own lived experience, a keynote address was presented by Ellise Hayward, a non-verbal motivational speaker with cerebral palsy and EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Ambassador at Ashton Park School.
Ellise Hollie Hayward, EDI Ambassador at Ashton Park School shared:
“Every young person deserves the chance to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Seeing ability before disability, and recognising the talent and potential in every individual is hugely important. My own work experiences have been life-changing, givingme confidence, independence and opportunities despite the daily challenges of living with cerebral palsy.
“Creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with a shift in attitude, a willingness to understand and the confidence to see what someone can do, rather than what they can’t. Those small changes can transform lives.”
