Following the success of Derby City Council’s innovative Journey to Work scheme, a new extension of the programme is launching this autumn, designed specifically to empower young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The new SEND Journey to Work programme, beginning on Monday 8 Sep 2025, offers young adults with SEND who are aged 18–25 a unique opportunity to gain meaningful, supported employment experience right at the heart of the University of Derby.
The original Journey to Work programme has already transformed employment prospects for young people in Derby by providing real-world placements, mentorship, and intensive support. Building on this successful model, the SEND-specific programme brings together expert educators, employment specialists, and inclusive employers from the University of Derby to create a robust, person-centred pathway into work.
The new eight-week programme provides a carefully structured week to maximise both skill development and real-world experience. Each learner receives on-site mentoring and engages in daily reflection sessions to consolidate their learning. Fridays are dedicated to one-on-one career coaching with a Supported Employment Officer, offering tailored guidance on CV writing, job searching, and interview techniques.
The programme also serves as a potential launchpad into paid roles within the University or with wider partner organisations committed to inclusive employment practices.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
The success of our first Journey to Work programme has been nothing short of inspirational. We've seen young people grow in confidence, gain real skills, and secure meaningful employment.
Building on that momentum, the launch of a dedicated programme for SEND learners is the next natural, and essential, step. Every young person deserves the chance to succeed, and this new offer ensures those with additional needs are fully supported to achieve their potential.
Gavin Poyser, Business Liaison for the Journey to Work and Print Services Manager hosting a young person for the SEND J2W programme, said:
We are looking forward to hosting the SEND Journey to Work programme at the University of Derby. We know it will be a truly rewarding experience, giving young people the chance to build confidence, develop skills, and thrive in real workplace environments. By offering meaningful placements and tailored support, we are proud to help young people take the next step into education, training, or employment, directly supporting the Government’s Youth Guarantee.
The first SEND programme begins on Monday 8 Sep 2025, with a second intake planned for January 2026.
To apply or learn more about the Journey to work programmes, email employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Derby and supported by over 30 trained workplace mentors, this inclusive programme is part of Derby City Council’s ongoing commitment to empowering every young person to achieve their employment goals through the Derby Promise.