Emma's pathway to employment with routes to work

Emma’s journey into paid work shows how the Routes to Work team can open doors for residents with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Emma began her employment journey on the Supported Internship, a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). While on the programme she worked on several different placements, particularly enjoying the cleaning assistant role.

As her internship came to an end, Emma was referred to the Routes to Work team to help her continue building on the progress she had already made. She wanted to move into paid employment but needed support to understand her options and find a role that suited both her skills and her confidence levels.

Routes to Work supported Emma to explore her employment options, completed job searches and agreed a plan of action. Routes to Work found a role which matched with Emma’s skills. Emma received support throughout the entire application process, including guidance on suitable interview clothing, help preparing potential interview responses, and assistance before, during, and after the interview.

Emma was successful at her interview and was offered the Domestic Assistant position. Routes to Work then supported her throughout the onboarding process ensuring she felt confident and prepared for her new role.

Emma has now been in post for several months and is enjoying her work. She shared: “My Employment Officers, Abi and Katherine, were friendly and supportive. In our meetings, we did job searching and talked about what might happen in interviews. Abi even came with me to my interview. I was buzzing when I found out I got the job!”

Abi Downing, Emma’s Employment Officer is thrilled with Emma’s achievement: “Emma has done an amazing job, and I am extremely proud of her for achieving the domestic role. She has shown great dedication and perseverance, and her hard work has truly paid off. This is a significant achievement and a wonderful step forward for her. Congratulations and very well done, Emma!”