Accessing untapped talent
Supporting Inclusive Pathways into Employment
As part of the research contributing to our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), many employers identified the need to strengthen diversity and inclusion within their workforce. They also expressed a clear desire for support in reaching “hidden” pools of talent, individuals whose skills and potential are often overlooked.
Training providers play a crucial role in bridging this gap, helping young people and adults with additional needs gain meaningful employment opportunities, while helping businesses access underrepresented talent to address skills shortages.
At the Future Skills Hub’s Motor Vehicle Industry Skills Summit (1st November 2023), this topic was explored in greater depth with insights from Toni-Marie Leaf (Hampshire County Council) and Christina Earl (Surrey Choices), both of whom are leading initiatives that connect education, training, and employment for individuals with additional needs.
Below are examples of the inclusive employment initiatives currently making an impact in Hampshire and Surrey, and how training providers can collaborate to expand these opportunities further.
All Our Talents | Hampshire County Council
Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have the same ambitions as their peers, to live independently, contribute to society, and build fulfilling careers. With the right guidance and support, the vast majority can thrive in the workplace and help employers fill critical skills gaps.
Hampshire County Council partners with education and training providers to deliver this support through SEND Employability and Independence Hubs, which equip learners with essential life and work skills.
As a final step in education, Hampshire promotes Supported Internships, structured study programmes primarily based with an employer. These internships enable young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to gain the experience and confidence they need to move into sustainable paid employment.
Training providers can play a vital role by:
- Working with employers to identify suitable internship placements
- Supporting learners to develop employability skills before and during placements
- Helping coordinate the ‘matching service’, which pairs young people with suitable roles and helps employers test candidates in real work environments
- Encouraging employers to see the long-term value of inclusive recruitment
Find out more:
- SEND Employability and Independence Hubs | Hampshire County Council
- Supported Internships for SEND Young People
- Contact: ESH.shared@hants.gov.uk
Supporting Businesses to Employ Disabled and Autistic People in Surrey | Surrey Choices
While only around 5% of people with learning disabilities nationally are in paid work, Surrey has increased this figure to 13%, though 65% of people with a learning disability still express a desire to work.
Surrey Choices helps bridge this gap through tailored employability programmes, job clubs, work trials, and supported placements. Their Employment Support Specialists work closely with employers to ensure candidates are matched effectively and supported throughout their employment journey.
For training providers, this model offers an excellent framework for collaboration, embedding inclusive employability practice within your curriculum and employer partnerships.
Training providers can work with Surrey Choices to:
- Identify learners who would benefit from supported routes into work
- Facilitate work experience, job trials, or volunteering opportunities as part of training programmes
- Co-deliver pre-employment training with job coaches and support specialists
- Build staff awareness of inclusive recruitment practices and workplace adjustments
Employers working with Surrey Choices report highly positive outcomes, improved retention, stronger team culture, and genuine talent development.
“These kinds of partnerships are really rewarding for everyone involved, managers, employees, and the business itself. We end up with real stars, so everyone wins.”
Justine Locker, Operations Director, Chessington World of Adventures
Find out more:
- www.surreychoices.com
- Email: employability@surreychoices.com
- Call: 01483 806806
Accessing Untapped Talent | Surrey Chambers of Commerce
At Surrey Chambers of Commerce, we encourage local employers, and the training providers that work with them, to think differently about recruitment.
In Surrey alone, there are around 12,000 autistic individuals, many of whom would like to work but face barriers during traditional application processes. With the right adjustments, they often become some of the most reliable and skilled employees within their organisations.
For training providers, this represents a major opportunity to:
- Work with employers to create inclusive placement and employment pipelines
- Embed awareness of neurodiversity and disability inclusion into training and careers guidance
- Prepare learners for workplaces that recognise and celebrate diverse strengths
Stay tuned for our upcoming ‘Untapped Talent’ events, which will showcase examples of successful inclusive employment partnerships between employers, providers, and individuals.
How Training Providers Can Make a Difference
By embedding inclusivity within your training offer and working in partnership with organisations like Hampshire County Council, Surrey Choices, and Surrey Chambers of Commerce, your institution can:
- Support employers to develop inclusive recruitment and placement practices
- Help learners with SEND and other barriers to employment gain confidence, skills, and work experience
- Widen access to opportunity and contribute directly to the aims of the Local Skills Improvement Plan
- Strengthen your organisation’s community impact and employer relationships
Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to develop meaningful skills and succeed in work.
