SEN need not apply

[Dsjobhunting]

My DS has autism. He's not really badly affected but he didn't manage to get any gcses above a 2. He's doing a course for SEN kids but having looked around at jobs and other courses his options seem extremely limited!
What I've found is that even "normal" courses in college are stipulating GCSE at a set level. Employers want GCSE at a set level. Even apprenticeships.
Then there are the local councils who you'd think might have jobs suitable for people with disabilities such as this but no. Even a helper in a library which I know he could do, MUST have 5 GCSE’s. What will become of my DS? I fear for his future as I won't be around for ever and he won't qualify for disability as he's actually marginally too capable. AIBU to think there should be more help out there and understanding for young people who just are not able to sit exams or learn a skill.
Don't get me started on jobs that don't actually involve driving but require a licence anyway. Which he won't have as he can't process the dangers in the car.
It all feels rather discriminative yet he's a bright and wonderful person who'd actually be an asset. He's not a physical type so the "trades" jobs are out. Any ideas while we're here?

@Dizzy82 congratulations on being so proactive for your Son!!

congratulations to the college for seeing people, not grades! And giving DS the opportunity.

congratulations to DS Dizzy for doing so bloody well. I hope this leads to great things for him!!

@Dsjobhunting I know several boys in this situation and to be perfectly blunt, every 'success' has come down to parents being proactive & pushing past what the website/advert says & contacting the organisation. The only one of them not doing anything (at 22) is the one whose mum insists on treating him like a 2 year old & gets a babysitter in when she's WFH. She's a beautician with regular clients, she won't even let him just game in his bedroom. Nor go for a walk by himself, make a sandwich etc.

Think about what he can & wants to do, look for opportunities & ignore the GCSE/other requirements & contact them directly.

its so hard for these kids these day.

best wishes xx

See this is a misconception, because whilst they say they offer this, the roles are so competitive that in reality, if someone who hasn't got the grades applies then they are likely going to get it.

Also, nearly every employer wants GCSE maths and English now for every job. I've know people with degrees who have lost their certificates for GCSE have to retake their maths and English to secure roles. It is ridiculous, but computer says no

It’s not a misconception, my own sibling completed a course at college last year despite having no prior qualifications. They managed to get a job that didn’t need any GCSEs. It’s so much harder and rarer now, but those jobs do exist, which is why I was encouraging the OP to keep trying.

What were his ks2 sats like? Ie was the 2 at gcses unexpected?
As say 105 at sats would exoect to get around a 4/5 maybe?

I agree with pp try volunteering at charity shops or even NT places etc..

He could go and do functional skills maths and english.

The job market is tough for anyone. I had 10 A-C gcses, 3 alevels and a degree and still couldnt get hired anywhere.

Are there any IT skills courses?

Can he swim? Maybe he could teach that.

Hairdressing?

@335965a but the point is that just because your sister managed to do that, it is not the general experience of the majority of kids.

Even if the colleges offer these courses they are massively over subscribed. Our local college is over subscribed by over 200, as is the college near DSD.

Yes, really. Supported internships, which is what that pp posted about, are only for those with EHCPs. Of course colleges have other courses of different levels, but that is separate to supported internships.

The ehco process is quite ridiculous.
So academic kids get told oh no you wont get one (but not really why). Yet my relative is really depressed, anxious, cant go in some lessons etc - nope

Then you have dc like in this thread who do sgruggle academically and still cant get one.

The bar is too high in terms of what schools will support to get one.

A labourer doesnt need good maths or english.

I would actually say passing sats with 105+ even without carring on maths at secondary is as much maths as you need for many jobs.
And actually same with english you can read if you can pass that.
Gcses afent suited as a qualification for getting jobs.
As frankly some kids who get 9s dont have good social skills or flexibility etc.
Certainly alevels and uni dont make you better at interviews

I have similar issues and pressure to get a job from UC. I’ve now been told that I’m too honest on my CV and in interviews and that the feedback is not good - I think they want me to lie to make it seem like I can do a job I can’t?? And not to declare my ASD, ADHD and medical issues but I think that’s deceptive.
They said they can’t sanction me as I’m doing all they ask but no fit has ever taken this long to get a job. I’m in the process of applying for PIP now so hoping that will reduce the pressure.
I have no GCSEs as could manage school and all the jobs not needing qualifications I can’t manage to do so I’m stuck

fit - one

I have dyspraxia and there is a charity that covers Edinburgh, the Lothians and Falkirk called The Action Group. One of the services The Action Group provide is something called Real Jobs and their purpose is to help young people up to 25 years old who (I may not be wording this correctly and I mean no offence) have something that affects their ability to get a job like dyspraxia, autism, epilepsy etc. You are given a support worker and they meet with you and get to know you they then approach companies that have jobs advertised (cafes, retail, cinemas etc) and explain to the company who you are and what adjustments might need to be made. If you get a job interview you can be confident that the company are aware of potential adjustments needed but think you could be a good fit anyway. Is there perhaps a charity like that near you OP? As others have said volunteering at a charity shop will be good experience and may lead to a paid job in retail.

I’m sorry you are finding this difficult - but speaking as an autistic person I don’t know how you can say he’s “not really badly affected” because he seems to be very affected.
most jobs in the uk require people to have a level 4 for both maths and English gcse - and the government offers free education for any age group to obtain this. Level 2 in GCSEs is a very low level - maybe the same stage of a child just starting high school??

You need to get the ehcp. It’s a cruel game played by cash-strapped LAs to tell parents that a child doesn’t need or won’t get one. If your DS can access the courses he could do by having an ehcp then it proves the need for one. Document everything in emails and follow up. When he gets one he can, if necessary, stay on at college til 25 and attempt to get qualifications such as functional skills qualifications in English and Maths and perhaps gradually work up to a GSCE pass. Find your local send charities and support networks. The Send legislation is actually v different in its aspirations from the way LAs tell you.

Can he still apply for some of the jobs and write that whilst he doesn’t have the academic grades, he does have the experience and ability (and detail this)?

Is he under 25? If so, get him in the process for an EHCP now. You can apply for it as long as he is still in education. Join some Facebook groups or local SEN support groups for further advice. Be prepared to appeal and fight but you can get one for him.

Well autism.is a massive spectrum compared to my 14 year old who can't talk.and is working at pre school levels getting level two ,s which a great many 16 year old also get even if they don't have autism in GCSE,s and actually having the ability to sit exams means educationally wise he's not affected as many other children with autism
Although I appreciate there may be other areas where he is more affected

I’m sorry I haven’t read all the replies, but you can apply for an EHCP for him now - they’re potentially available to young people until they are 25. If the LA refuse to assess, then take them to tribunal. Number one rule of EHCPs is never believe anything the LA tell you.

I would look into supported internships that specialise in supporting young people into paid employment and getting industry style qualifications

Not read all posts but some supermarkets have jobs for people with ''disabilities'' such as Down/s Syndrome eg Tesco - I think they stock shelves.

I think he needs an echp - it’s shocking no one has supported him in getting this. He can apply up until 25
https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help

https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/young-people-and-adulthood/project-search/

Our council runs this internship scheme.

Been in this position albeit my son is now 30. No qualifications etc. He applied to do match day work as a steward at the local football club. Have a look if you have a football club nearby as they offer many opportunities to disadvantaged young people. Be it stewarding hospitality or any other type roles needed in match days. This is then a start of filling their cv so that experience counts not qualifications. My son then went off to do his security licence qualification and found agencey work. From there he has now gone onto his dream job of working on the railways.
It’s a hard slog for them but if you keep looking at all options and pushing them
into even voluntary roles it’s this that gives an employer the idea that they are keen to work. Good luck to your son

We have an Autism charity here who seeks employment for the disabled - or they do community work in garden centers there’s an autism cafe as well which is popular and they learn skills.

There are places that help, you’re not the first to have this issue.

Hi Op, I worked with young people on the spectrum and other needs. If the young person is less likely to pass standard maths/English GCSE’s, they should be able to still maths/English functional skills tests. These would be considered equivalent to GCSE’s. They are more accessible for those with learning needs.

Have a look and see what is on offer via the Princes Trust in your area. There could be courses, help to get a job - all sorts.

Is he any good with computers?

There's a whole ton of professional qualifications which can be taken at his own pace which would make his GCSEs almost irrelevant in the eyes of employers.

I know of a non-verbal, autistic person working in cyber security as an analyst.

Happy to DM.

Our college has something like this,I think our son spent a year on it before moving onto a two year IT course.
He spent the best part of eight years in college and eventually left with a degree but he's never been able to find a job.