Employment and Community Skills

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Employment and Community Skills A service for young people with SEN and disabilities, provided by Wiltshire Council Who is eligible?

Employment and Community Skills are part of the 0-25 SEND service at Wiltshire Council and incorporate two teams - Wiltshire Employment Support Team (WEST) and Community Connecting (CC). WEST assist customers to find and sustain varying levels of paid employment with local employers. Looking at what types of work would suit each customers skills and experience. Then aiming to match individual skills to available jobs (including apprenticeships). Community Connecting provide a time limited service with the aim of working with each customer so they are able to find, take part in their chosen community activity and do this independently. Including, Volunteering, socialising, joining a club, meeting friends travel and much more. SEND Service referrals;
• Young people 14 to 25 years of age with a My Plan or Statement of Special Education Need (SEN) or previously held a statement. Young people with ASC not meeting the above criteria;
• 16 to 25 years of age (funded from aiming high budget)
• Resident in the county of Wiltshire (local authority boundary area). Adult Care and CTPLD referrals
• 18 to 25 years of age with an SEN or previously had a statement.
• 18 to 25 years of age without an SEN; customers to be identified as having a learning disability or autistic spectrum condition.
• 26+ years of age customers should be identified as having a previous SEN, learning disability or autistic spectrum condition. Please note that customers are not eligible if they are working with another Wiltshire Council supported employment service or supported by a universal service such as a Work Programme provider. Who can refer?
• Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) Worker
• Wiltshire College Tutor
• Wiltshire supported Internships Job Coach
• Social Worker
• Wiltshire Specialist School Teacher
• Avon and Wiltshire Partnership (AWP), Autism Assessment Team
• Wiltshire Council; Social care advice and Information 0300 456 0111
• Integrated Youth Service

🎥 Look who met the BBC 🎥​Zoe and Marnie, along with some fab expert travellers,  had an exciting day yesterday with BBC ...
30/10/2026

🎥 Look who met the BBC 🎥

​Zoe and Marnie, along with some fab expert travellers, had an exciting day yesterday with BBC journalist Marie 🎬✨

​Chatting all about the travel training offers available through Community Connecting, and how learning to navigate travel builds so much confidence and independence for our young people in Wiltshire 🚌

​The new Travel Training Offer is in place and we have a great team delivering that ❤️

As well . . .
🚌 Intensive Travel Training – helping young people master route navigation and gain the skills to travel solo with confidence.
🚲 Travel for Confidence – providing tailored support to build self-assurance, step-by-step, when getting out and about in the community.

​It was a fantastic opportunity to share the real, positive impact these offers have every day. Keep an eye out for the feature 👇
​

🚌 🚌 Travel Training Workshop 🚌 🚌​This workshop is designed specifically for young people with SEND (Special Educational ...
18/10/2026

🚌 🚌 Travel Training Workshop 🚌 🚌

​This workshop is designed specifically for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to help bridge the gap between staying home and navigating the world with confidence 😎

​📅 Thursday 12 November 2026
​🕟 3:30pm – 5:30pm
​📍 Monkton Park, Chippenham

​🌟 What to Expect
✅️ ​Practical Tips
✅️ ​Confidence Building
✅️ ​Meet the Team

​📩 If you have questions or want to secure a spot, you can reach out via the following: [email protected] or call 01225 718004

We want to give a huge shout-out to Claire and the lovely team at the Wiltshire Sight Charity Shop in Trowbridge 👏​Clair...
05/10/2026

We want to give a huge shout-out to Claire and the lovely team at the Wiltshire Sight Charity Shop in Trowbridge 👏

​Claire has been volunteering at the shop since May, and she has done so well. She has learned lots of new jobs and made great connections with customers and staff. Her confidence has grown so much 🌟

​Claire has been working with her Community Co-ordinator, Abi to build up her skills. Now, she is taking a huge step forward and will be going to her volunteering shift by herself this week 🚀

​A big thank you to Shop Manager Denise (pictured!) and Shop Supervisor Chrissie for being so kind and supportive. They have helped Claire feel right at home🥳💙 Wiltshire Sight Trowbridge Charity Shop
​

Preparing for Employment sessions make up part of the supported internship year 💻 Today was facilitated by job coach, Si...
02/10/2026

Preparing for Employment sessions make up part of the supported internship year 💻

Today was facilitated by job coach, Simon for Hayden and Alex all around travel 🚌

Both interns working well on independent travel, spotting hazards and planning journeys 👏

Great work gang 👌

🍻 First Shift at Wetherspoons! 🍽️✨​Congratulations to Ryan, who is tackling his very first shift tonight as a Kitchen Po...
30/09/2026

🍻 First Shift at Wetherspoons! 🍽️✨
​
Congratulations to Ryan, who is tackling his very first shift tonight as a Kitchen Porter at Wetherspoons 👏

​Ryan only finished college in July, working with his Job Coach, Simon, since the beginning of May to get ready for the world of work. Engaging, taking advice and flexible in his choices.

​This was pretty much Ryan's second ever job interview, and he absolutely smashed it 🤩

​

Let's hear it for Poppy!Here she is, catching the bus home after her first successful day at her internship placement at...
23/09/2026

Let's hear it for Poppy!
Here she is, catching the bus home after her first successful day at her internship placement at Calne Leisure Centre 🚌

She has done COSHH training online, and worked with staff on poolside, reception, dryside duties and in the gym 🏋️‍♀️

We can’t wait to see how she progresses ❤️

Spent a fantastic morning yesterday with the whole SEND team catching up on vital updates and key information. It was gr...
23/09/2026

Spent a fantastic morning yesterday with the whole SEND team catching up on vital updates and key information. It was great to bring everyone together 😎

​A big shout-out to Zoe for giving a brilliant presentation on the new ITT offer 👏

​And, of course, we all know Sam never misses an opportunity for a selfie, so here are a few snaps from the morning 🤳📸😁
​

Busy time for WEST and Community Connecting at Fairfield College Next Steps Transition Evening,  talking to students and...
16/09/2026

Busy time for WEST and Community Connecting at Fairfield College Next Steps Transition Evening, talking to students and parents about our offers. It was great to see so many young people looking to increase their independence and move into work 😀

Ava joined the WEST Skills Offer to explore her employment options and take steps toward finding a paid job 🌟​Her drive ...
11/09/2026

Ava joined the WEST Skills Offer to explore her employment options and take steps toward finding a paid job 🌟

​Her drive and determination to work have shone through from day one.

​She recently started a paid role at Leekes in Melksham as a Pot Washer and Table Assistant 🧼✨

To help manage her sensory needs in the kitchen, Ava wears long gloves to keep her hands and arms protected while working. A simple adjustment that makes a huge difference.

​Ava’s Job Coach recently popped in to observe her on shift and catch up with her supportive manager, Natalie. Ava is settling in brilliantly, communicating well with the team, and taking great pride in her work. 👏

​To help her succeed in the long run, Ava and her Job Coach have put together a personalised Skills Plan.

Together, they’ll be focusing on:
🧘‍♀️​Strategies for staying calm and managing sensory triggers at work
​📋 Understanding workplace expectations
📈​Regular check-ins to track her growing confidence and skills

​It’s fantastic to see Ava building her independence and thriving in a supportive environment 🥳🙌
​

10/09/2026

🎬 Take a look at the highlights from this year's SEND Employer Champions event!

This video showcases the incredible partnerships between local employers and young people with SEND, demonstrating how inclusive employment can create opportunities, unlock potential, and benefit businesses across Wiltshire 😀

A huge thank you to all the employers who supported this year's event and helped champion a more inclusive workforce 👏

Could your organisation be our next SEND Employer Champion?

By working with the Wiltshire Employment Support Team, you'll gain support to explore inclusive recruitment, access a talented pool of candidates, and make a real difference in your local community.

📩 To find out more about becoming a SEND Employer Champion, get in touch with the Wiltshire Employment Support Team today. [email protected]

Address

Main Hubs In Salisbury, Chippenham And Trowbridge
Trowbridge

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+441225718004

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