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Innovative strategies to support employment: National Star College
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Authors
Editors
Date
2026
Educational Level
ISCED Level 4 Post-secondary Non-tertiary Education
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Abstract
Following recognition of the very low national employment rates for adults with learning disabilities and heightened barriers for SEND learners post-pandemic, this specialist FE college developed an innovative approach through the ETF Employer Spokes initiative. Challenges included learner anxiety, limited employer exposure to SEND talent, and traditional recruitment models that disadvantaged disabled applicants. Actions included co-designing a Reverse Jobs Fair with the National Careers Service, enabling learners to showcase their skills directly to employers using strengths-based presentations. Evidence of impact includes increased learner confidence and recruitment readiness, one sustained paid employment outcome, development of new work-placement pathways for current cohorts, strengthened employer partnerships across the county, and national peer mentoring to replicate the model with other providers.
Description
Keywords (free text)
further education, 16-19 education, inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), employer liaison