Coventry City Council’s Skills, Employment and Adult Education Service has celebrated the remarkable achievements of young people on its study programmes at a special learner-led awards ceremony.
The event, which took place on Wednesday 16 July, marked the end of the academic year for 86 learners aged 16 – 24 who have taken part in a range of study programmes, including Supported Internships, Step into Your Future, and Step into the World of Work.
These programmes provide invaluable opportunities for young people – most of whom have special educational needs (SEN), and many with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – to gain work experience, build confidence, and successfully transition from education into employment.
This year’s learners completed placements with a range of supportive employers across the city, including University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), Amazon UK, Coventry City Council’s Job Shop, and Woodfield School, with specialist job coaches providing guidance every step of the way.
An impressive 65% of supported interns have already secured paid employment, with that number expected to rise to around 80% during the summer months as further contracts are finalised, a testament to the effectiveness of the programme and the determination of the learners.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, said: "This celebration is a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when young people are given the right support and opportunities. The learners we have honoured have shown incredible resilience and determination, and I am delighted to see so many progressing into meaningful work.
“Programmes like these not only transform individual lives but also strengthen our community by fostering inclusion and unlocking potential. My thanks also go to the employers, partners, and staff who make this success possible."
The awards ceremony, led by learners themselves, featured presentations where they shared their personal journeys before receiving their certificates, a fitting celebration of their hard work and growth.
The study programmes form an important part of Coventry’s wider Job Shop service, which works to break down barriers to employment and connect residents with jobs, training, and support.
Hannah Rogers, Supported Employment Manager for the Coventry Job Shop said: “This programme is a powerful example of what is possible when organisations come together with a shared goal of improving lives. Each partner has played a crucial role in creating meaningful, life-changing opportunities for young people and supported us to break down barriers.
"Hearing first-hand from learners about the impact it has had on their lives as they transition from education to employment has been truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of their achievements as they move into the world of work.”
Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and commissioned by the Council’s SEND team, the programmes exemplify Coventry’s commitment to creating inclusive pathways into employment and addressing barriers faced by young people with SEN.
For more information about the Study Programmes, please contact: Tammy Sheldon: Tammy.Sheldon@coventry.gov.uk or 07976 249918.
For information about how Coventry City Council and the Job Shop can support employers and jobseekers in breaking down barriers to employment, please contact: Hannah Rogers: Hannah.Rogers@coventry.gov.uk or 024 7697 6387.