Further education and employment

We know that many young people have dreams and aspirations for the future.

Further education can be a great way to learn new skills and offers ideas about a variety of career options.

People with a disability also have a right to work. Employment can bring many benefits to a person life including financial independence, improved wellbeing, increased confidence, and social inclusion.

It is important to get information about all the different opportunities available to help you make the right choice for you and maximise your potential.

Our Preparing for Adulthood events will provide you with information about and employment pathways and support offers available in Wigan.

Further education and employment opportunities

  • Supported Internship (external link) - A supported internship is a structured study programme aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 with a learning disability and an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), who want to move into paid employment and need extra support to do so.
  • Apprenticeships - An apprenticeship is when you're employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification. 
  • Wigan Council Supported Employment Service - SES offers a comprehensive package of advice, guidance, and support to both the employer and prospective employee. This includes accurately matching the right person to the right job, conducting employee specific risk assessments in the workplace, practical one to one support and, where required, specialised instruction for the employee to be trained to carry out the tasks of the job to meet the expectations of the employer.
  • Wigan Council Aspiring Futures - Aspiring Futures is the employment and skills service for young people aged 16-19 (and up to 25 for those with learning difficulties and disabilities) in Wigan borough. We offer support to those who are not in employment, education, or training, helping them make a decision on what they want to do and find opportunities.
  • Careers, Advice and Guidance provides careers advice and guidance.
  • Department of Work and Pensions (external link) - Disability Advisors and Work Coaches - If you have a health condition or a disability that affects your ability to work, you can get assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. A Work Coach is trained to be able to help you to find work or to gain new skills for a job. They can help with work preparation, recruitment, interview coaching and even confidence building.
  • Wigan Borough Volunteering Hub (external link) - Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do and thinking about how you would like to benefit from volunteering is a great start to finding the opportunity right for you.

© Wigan Council