Support to help you find a job if you have SEND

Kirklees has a number of programmes which can help support you to find a job, the programmes all vary depending on the level of support you would like, and that you need. Some of these programmes are listed below.

If you are unsure which of these programmes is right for you, contact the Council’s Employment & Skills team for help. Employment and skills support | Kirklees Council (opens link in new window)

Supported internships are aimed at young people with a learning disability, aged 18 to 24. They support entry to employment, the internship is based mainly with an employer and usually lasts a year, the aim is that you will move into employment.

A supported internship is learning that is made up of an unpaid work placement of at least six months and study that, where possible, leads to a relevant qualification and includes the chance to improve your English and maths.

You must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for learning difficulties to start a supported internship. They are available in Calderdale and Kirklees.

Click here for more on Project Search

Project Search | Getting a job | Kirklees SEND Local Offer (kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk)(opens link in new window)

Below are the different services that can help with the next steps to employment

REAL means Real Employment for Adults who are autistic and/or have a learning disability.

SUPPORT – The support we provide is person centred and strengths based and is tailored around the needs of each individual.

EXAMPLES OF SUPPORT WE PROVIDE
Applying for jobs

Writing covering letters and CVs
Developing interview skills
Confidence building

Support to overcome barriers to employment
Job matching
Supported interviews

Identifying skills gaps and training requirements

Reasonable adjustments
In work support and career development

Make a referral to REAL Employment

You can self-refer or a family member, carer or a professional can refer you on your behalf. If you need support to refer, you are welcome to get in contact and someone from REAL will help you. One of our Job Coaches will then get in contact with you to discuss how we can support you.

To receive support from REAL, potential job seekers need to meet some criteria:

Living in Kirklees
Be aged 18 + , we can start transitional support prior to your 18 birthday.
Have a learning disability / Autistic / or associated additional needs that have a substantial adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities which has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months or more (You do not need a formal medical diagnosis)

You can make a referral using the Real Employment online form:

Real Employment Referral form (opens link in new window)

Please contact us if you are wanting further information or advice on how we will support you on your journey to finding paid employment.

Get in touch

Huddersfield
01484 221581 (Option 1 Huddersfield)
RealEmployment@kirklees.gov.uk

Dewsbury office
Dewsbury Town Hall (by appointment)
01484 221581 (Option 2 Dewsbury)
RealEmployment@kirklees.gov.uk

You can find out more on the Real Employment webpage

REAL employment webpage | Kirklees Council (opens link in new window)

Kirklees Council’s Employment Kirklees programme can help support you in getting into work. They can help find job vacancies, help with your job applications and work with you to practise your interview skills.

Find out more here - Employment and skills support | Kirklees Council

There is a team of experienced staff who support individuals experiencing mental ill health, and/or hidden disabilities, to work towards employment or education goals and maintain their wellbeing whilst doing so. We also offer an array of different workshops and groups to help people develop their wellbeing and their coping skills, not just in the workplace, but in day to day life too.

We can also help employers who are wanting advice on supporting their employees, or expanding company knowledge around mental health in the workplace, for which we can provide tailored advice.

Home - Kirklees Employment Service (opens link in new window)

If you need further support with your job search, your local Job Centre Plus (opens link in new window) are available to help you too.