Learning Disability No Barrier to Work
At Lifeworks College, we believe ability matters more than labels. Our students work hard, show real potential, and bring value to the workplace. With the right support, inclusive employers, and meaningful placements, success is not just possible. It’s happening.
Supporting Student Aspirations
Each of our students has their own life and work aspirations. At Lifeworks College, we support students with SEND to explore and pursue their goals. From understanding their aspirations to finding realistic and rewarding placements, our team is there every step of the way.
Placement Preparation
We support each student with the interview and workplace preparation. As well as guidance on what to expect and what the employer might expect from them – we strive to help them to get off to the best start. The level of support at the place of work will depend on the requirements of each individual.
Our students gain so much confidence from these long-term work placements. Achieving success, recognition and enjoyment are immediate results but placements also carve the path to our students best futures.
What is a Supported Internship?
A supported internship is a work-based study programme for 16-24 year olds with Special Needs and/or Disability (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. The supported internship includes a work placement with the support of a job coach.
As a college, our ultimate aim is to prepare our students for life when they graduate from learning with us, and our Supported Internships are a key part of preparing for adulthood and getting workplace ready!
What is a Supported Work Placement?
A Supported Work Placement is where our young people can gain workplace experience with reduced support. We feel that learning goes both ways, and our young people bring a variety of learnings to their workplaces, working towards a more diverse workforce and enriching workplaces and existing employee experiences!
Student’s Workplace Story
I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was in my late teens and College helped me a lot to get there. When I was at there I did a work placement at a hairdressers in Plymouth. I liked how College helped me with my hairdressing career.
It made me happy that I could get that far. After I left Lifeworks College, I went on to be an apprentice hair stylist.
My teachers were a great help, very supportive and helped me with my work placement. It gave me good experience to put on my CV.
I would say college helps by giving you the right support to get a job. One that makes you happy in the future and gives you good independent living. It will help you have dreams.
Anyone believes that the world is against people with learning disabilities I would challenge that. People are capable of so much more that what people think they can do. As long as they have belief in them from other people and you feed that belief, then they will fly.
My hope for the future is just to be happy and be good at my job. And whatever happens in the future I will go with it.
Featured Employers
Interested in partnering with us to host a work placement or Internship?
We would love to hear from you. Get in touch below.
