RISE is a practical, employment-focused programme designed to help young adults with SEND prepare for and experience the workplace. Learners benefit from a combination of college-based learning and time spent in a real work placement, where they can practise their skills and gain valuable experience.

Learners are supported by Job Coaches who work with them and their host employers to help establish successful placements, develop workplace skills and build confidence. Placements are matched to learners’ strengths, interests and aspirations, with support tailored to their individual needs.

Alongside their workplace experience, learners develop essential employability, communication, digital, English and maths skills. They also explore important aspects of adult life, including managing money, understanding payslips and planning for the future.

RISE aims to help every learner recognise their potential, increase their independence and work towards their individual progression goals.

What you'll learn

Through a combination of college-based learning, real workplace experience and personalised Job Coach support, learners develop their employability skills, independence and understanding of the world of work.

The programme focuses on recognising individual strengths, matching learners to suitable workplace opportunities and helping them take positive steps towards their future careers.

During the programme, you will develop the skills and confidence needed to prepare for employment and succeed in the workplace. You will learn how to:

Communicate effectively with colleagues, employers and customers.
Work as part of a team and contribute to shared tasks.
Develop good workplace habits, including punctuality, reliability and organisation.
Follow instructions, complete tasks and solve problems.
Recognise your strengths, interests and skills.
Understand your individual support needs and identify strategies that help you succeed.
Develop a CV, explore job opportunities and practise completing applications and interviews.
Understand workplace expectations, professional behaviour and health and safety.
Learn about wages, payslips, contracts, budgeting and managing money.
Build confidence, independence and resilience.
Set personal goals and plan your next steps towards employment or further learning.

English, maths and digital skills are embedded throughout the programme to help you apply your learning to everyday life and the workplace.

How you'll learn and be assessed

Learning takes place through a combination of practical college-based sessions and real workplace experience.

The programme includes:

College-based learning: Develop employability, communication, digital and independent living skills through practical activities and supported learning.
Work placements: Gain experience in a real workplace, learn new tasks and understand the expectations of employers.
Job Coach support: Receive personalised guidance to help you settle into your placement, develop skills and build confidence.
Practical activities: Practise workplace situations, teamwork, problem-solving, job applications and interview skills.
Personal development: Explore your strengths, understand how you learn best and identify strategies and adjustments that support your success.
Progress reviews: Reflect on your achievements, discuss your development and agree your next steps.

The programme is designed around your individual strengths, interests and support needs, helping you become more confident and independent as you progress.

Progression

RISE supports you to work towards your individual goals and explore opportunities for your future.

Depending on your interests, abilities and aspirations, progression may include:

Paid employment.
Supported employment.
Further education or training.
Volunteering and other work-related opportunities.

Throughout the programme, you will develop a better understanding of the type of work you enjoy, the skills you can offer an employer and the support that may help you succeed. You will also work towards an individual progression plan to help you identify and prepare for your next steps.

Our aim is to help you move forward with greater confidence, independence and a clearer direction for your future.

Entry requirements

RISE is designed for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and are preparing to take their next steps towards employment.

Learners should be interested in developing their employability skills, gaining workplace experience and exploring future employment opportunities. They should be willing to participate in college-based learning and a work placement, with appropriate support.

Completion of the Pre-Internship Programme is advised to help learners develop the foundations needed to progress onto RISE and make the most of their internship experience.

Placements and learning activities are considered in relation to each learner’s strengths, interests, aspirations and support needs to help identify suitable opportunities.

Please contact the college to discuss eligibility, individual circumstances and the support available through the programme.