More than 500 young people took part in the Sandwell SEND Careers Event at The Hawthorns.
The event brought together young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their parents, schools and employers for a day of inspiration, opportunity and support. The event was organised by Connexions and the Specialist Employment Team.
The event saw 24 schools taking part, alongside a significant number of SEND and NEET (not in education, employment or training) young people aged up to 25. Exhibitors included employers, training providers, colleges and specialist organisations, to showcase the variety of pathways available to young people, as well as a range of support and wellbeing organisations to help young people preparing for adulthood.
Attendees praised the event for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality support. With hands-on activities, employability advice and real-world career insights, the day proved to be one of the most successful SEND-focused careers opportunities held in Sandwell to date.
The scale and success of the event shows that partner organisations are working together to strengthen opportunities and ensure that young people with SEND can move towards adulthood with confidence.
Councillor Harnoor Bhullar, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It was fantastic to be a part of the SEND careers event. The atmosphere was incredibly positive, and it was inspiring to engage with so many enthusiastic young people exploring their future.
“This event truly reflects Sandwell’s commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all. Seeing so many young people inspired, informed and excited about their futures is exactly why these events matter. Our thanks go to the brilliant exhibitors and partners who helped make the day such a success.
“This event sits alongside the broader SEND transformation work to improve how we support children and young people from birth through to post sixteen, improving local and community-based links. We are improving our early SEND and inclusion offer to help settings prepare young people effectively for the next stage of their lives.”
One young person wrote: “One of the best trips I’ve been on ever.”
Subat Khan, Connexions Sandwell, said: “Following sponsorship from LD Training and Sandwell College, the future of the annual event has been secured for the next three years, so that we can continue to provide meaningful careers experiences for SEND young people across the borough.”
Visit our Connexions Sandwell website for more information about the support and advice on offer from Connexions Sandwell. Or you can email sandwell_connexions@sandwell.gov.uk or call 0121 569 2955.