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Forwards Education
About us
The Education team support young people on their post 16 journey into further education and employment and enables them to become active members of their community. We work closely with education establishments, training providers, GCC education team and community organisations to support young people onto a positive path.
Watch our video to learn about how our teams can support you: Introduction to the Forwards Education team
If you would like any further information on our services please email ForwardsEducation@gloucestershire.gov.uk or send a message via the ContactUs page.
SEND Post 16 Pathways Advisers
The role of the Post 16 Pathway adviser is to help raise the aspirations of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by developing pathways to appropriate post 16 provision which will support them to live fulfilling and independent lives. They work with schools and other professionals to deliver guidance and advice to young people with SEND.
Community Pathways Adviser
Helping to develop a sustainable offer for young people with SEND that are furthest away from the labour market by working with other Gloucestershire County Council services and partners to develop opportunities.
Supported Internship Coordinator
The role of a supported internship (SI) coordinator is to make sure the young people on the SI are receiving all the right support during and after the internship. The SI is an exit course for young people with an EHCP, which supports the transition between education and employment. The goal is to help young people with a disability or boundary to employment take their first step onto the employment ladder, offering an opportunity for you to gain practical working experience and improve your prospects of being offered paid employment. The internship is based around three days in a work placement, one day in college. You will be assisted in the workplace by job coaches who will develop the skills required for you to succeed.
To be eligible to apply you must:
- Be aged 16 – 24
- Have a Special Educational Need or a disability or boundary to employment and be keen to work.
- Already have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), or be in the process of being assessed for an EHCP
Most importantly thought we are looking for people who have a desire to gain experience in a real working environment, are keen to learn, become part of team and get a paid job at the end of your internship.
Where can I do an assisted internship?
- Gloucestershire College
- National Star College
- SGS College
All of these organisations are working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council.
You can watch our video on supported internships here: Forwards (youtube.com)
Works For Me
A programme working with young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and who need intensive support to re-engage with education or enter the labour market.
The programme includes:
- Mentoring
- 1:1 support
- Support with getting qualifications/work placements.
- Ongoing in work support
- Customers can continue working with an Employment Adviser until they have secured employment, training or education as long as they keep engaging. We understand everyone has their own path.
Step Forwards
GCC funded local programme aimed at supporting Care Leavers or Children in care move into sustainable paid employment, apprenticeships, or traineeships.
- 1:1 support working with other agencies to overcome barriers.
- Financial support to provide any essential work-related costs including interim support with housing benefit costs.
- In work support.
- Individualised to each customer.
Careers Hub
The Gloucestershire Careers Hub works with schools and colleges to link business with education, providing first-class careers education and opportunities for young people. We currently support over 50 local schools and colleges, who work together with employers, universities, training providers and careers professionals to improve careers education for young people across the county.
These establishments are supported by our 3 Enterprise Coordinators, who sit at the heart of the Hub to help schools and colleges engage with business and work. We are also proud to work with volunteer Enterprise Advisers – local business professionals who are successfully matched to a school or college to raise the aspirations of young people throughout Gloucestershire, implement the Gatsby Benchmarks, and engage with Senior Leadership Teams within educational facilities. They use their strategic skills to put opportunities with local employers at the heart of a young person’s education.
F
"A school leaver aged 16 came to a Drop In session at a Library. She needed information about career options and signposting. The young person expressed an interest in working with children, a discussion around further education, traineeships and apprenticeship were explored at the initial meeting. The young person wanted to explore the apprenticeship route with the NHS. A post 16 adviser organised a meeting with the NHS apprenticeship coordinator, the young person was very impressed with the NHS Apprenticeship package which led to the young person applying for a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Healthcare."
Future me
SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information and Advice Support Service) are launching an interactive website called the Future Me.