Helping young people aged 14-25 with SEND learn about, gain experience of, and prepare for careers in the modern economy through mentorship led by professionals at top corporates.

stats

According to the ONS, only 52% of disabled people aged 16-64 were in employment.

16% of all pupils in the UK have an identified SEND in 2020/21.

According to MENCAP, students with SEND are three times are more likely to be Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

In our Neurodiversity and Disability Programme, we partner with schools and community groups to work with young people who are registered as SEND (having Special Educational Needs or Disability). Over the course of 3 months, these young people will have three group mentoring sessions led by business mentors from Career Accelerator’s corporate partners to help them prepare for successful careers.

During their three group mentoring sessions, the young people will work towards the following goals:

  1. Learn about relevant and aspirational career opportunities in the modern economy
  2. Make informed decisions about future education, training and employment based on personalised support
  3. Build self-awareness and self-confidence to develop realistic and ambitious career goals
  4. Feel more prepared when applying for education, training or employment opportunities
  5. Develop interpersonal skills by working with professionals currently working in the modern economy

Mentee Fedback

100%
of young people surveyed in our most recent programmes agreed that the programme helped them make decisions about their career in the future

 

100%
of young people surveyed in our most recent programmes agreed that the programme helped them understand their skills more

 

92%
of young people surveyed in our most recent programmes agreed that the programme helped them feel more prepared for applying for jobs

 

83%
of young people surveyed in our most recent programmes agreed that the programme helped them become more confident in their abilities

What did the Mentee’s say?

“I learned new skills, practised good conduct and learned about helping people
Mentee, The Tower Project

“It was useful to look at different roles that they have in different jobs”
Mentee, The Tower Project

“I learned how to be confident and build communication skills”
Mentee, The Tower Project

“My favourite things about the session was talking about what I enjoy in jobs so I can be more specific (and) put that on my CV”
Mentee, The Tower Project

Mentor Feedback

75%
of employees found acting as a mentor a meaningful volunteering opportunity

 

75%
of employees said that being a mentor on this programme positively impacted their experience working for their company

What did the Mentors say?

“It was an experience that I really enjoyed. I can now think about how I could improve given the chance again. And I really enjoy learning from others and supporting people
Mentor, Centrica

“Being able to see first-hand the difference you can make to how someone feels when to comes to applying for jobs… has been really impactful”
Mentor, Centrica

“It was great to spend time with young people helping them determine who they are in the world of work”
Mentor, Centrica