Visit from Mencap

Class: Year 11

Number of students: 8

Gatsby benchmarks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,7

Aim of Activity

As part of the post-16 careers education and transition program, a group of students took part in a careers visit organised  with Mencap, the national charity supporting people with learning disabilities. The aim of the visit was to help students explore supported employment opportunities, gain insight into workplace expectations, and build confidence about life after school.

Impact of the activity

The visit was designed to:

• Introduce students to real workplace settings supported by Mencap.
• Explore post-16 and post-19 pathways including supported internships, traineeships, and employment programmes.
• Help students understand the skills employers value (e.g., teamwork, punctuality, communication).
• Encourage independence and aspiration around future careers.

Activities

During the visit, students:

1. Received a presentation from the Mencap Employment Team about supported employment opportunities.
2. Participated in a Q&A session, asking staff about job roles, training, and how support is provided.
3. Engaged in a short employability workshop, focusing on interview skills, workplace behaviour, and personal strengths.
4. Reflected on their learning, completing a short feedback activity and discussing next steps with staff.

Impact of the activity:

• Increased student awareness of supported employment routes after college.
• Improved motivation and confidence in planning next steps.
• Strengthened links between the school and Mencap’s employment services.
• Follow-up referrals made for two students interested in supported internships.

Student Feedback:

Students responded positively to the visit, expressing enthusiasm about seeing people with learning disabilities working successfully. Comments included:

• “I didn’t know I could get help to find a job.”
• “It made me feel more confident about trying work experience.”
•  Increased student awareness of supported employment routes after college

Teacher Feedback:

The Mencap careers visit provided a meaningful and inclusive learning experience for post-16 students, supporting their transition planning and raising aspirations for life after education. The partnership highlights the importance of community engagement and accessible career pathways for young people with additional needs.