Work Experience for Students with Additional Support Needs (Aged 16+)
Meaningful work experience in a supportive and understanding environment
Finding suitable work experience for a student with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) isn’t always easy. For young people with learning disabilities, autism or other additional support needs, traditional placements may not offer the right environment or level of support.
At Supported Community Business (SCB), we understand these challenges and offer an alternative.
Based at our workshop in Crewe, Cheshire, we provide flexible work experience opportunities for students aged 16 and over who are currently attending school, college or another educational or training programme.
Our aim is to provide a welcoming introduction to the world of work, particularly for students who may struggle to access suitable opportunities elsewhere.
Dawn, whose son Max completed work experience at SCB in June 2026, described the challenges of finding a suitable placement:
“We were so worried about whether our son would be able to access work experience like some of his peers. I didn’t know where to start looking to find somewhere suitable that could also support and understand his needs.”
Looking for ongoing support for an adult with additional needs? If you’re interested in a regular placement rather than educational work experience, please visit our Day Opportunities for Adults page.
Work Experience That Works for the Individual
Every student has their own abilities, interests, ambitions and support needs. We aim to make work experience as flexible and accessible as possible.
Placements can range from a one-off visit lasting just a few hours to regular sessions over several days, weeks or longer, depending on the student’s educational goals and individual circumstances.
We welcome enquiries from parents, carers, special schools, mainstream schools, colleges and other education providers.
Our focus is on providing meaningful experiences that help students develop confidence, independence and an understanding of working life, with activities and expectations adapted to their individual needs.
Reflecting on their first visit to SCB, Dawn said:
“We went to look around with my son and knew instantly that it was perfect. The staff and trainees are all so friendly and supportive. It’s a calm and fun environment to work in.”
Real Work, Real Opportunities
SCB operates a working workshop, completing genuine commercial tasks for businesses. This gives students an opportunity to experience practical workplace activities rather than simulated tasks.
Depending on their interests, abilities and support needs, students may take part in:
- Packing and packaging products
- Labelling, sorting and counting items
- Simple assembly work
- Other practical workshop activities
- Working alongside others as part of a team
- Developing communication, organisational and workplace skills
Our experienced staff provide guidance and encouragement throughout, helping students develop skills, follow instructions and enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to real work.
Support During Work Experience
We want everyone undertaking work experience at SCB to feel safe, comfortable and appropriately supported.
In most circumstances, we would expect a parent, carer, Personal Assistant (PA), teacher or other suitable support person to remain on site to provide any additional individual support required, alongside the guidance offered by our workshop staff.
For students aged 16 or 17, an appropriate responsible adult or support professional must remain on site throughout their placement.
For students aged 18 and over, support arrangements can be discussed individually, depending on their needs and the nature of the placement.
For Dawn, knowing that Max was in an understanding environment made a real difference:
“It gave me peace of mind that he was in the right place and I didn’t spend the whole time worrying because I knew he was with people that understood his needs.”
Is There a Cost for Work Experience?
Work experience at SCB is free of charge when a parent, carer, teacher or other appropriate support person accompanies the student and provides any additional assistance required.
If a student aged 18 or over is unable to arrange their own support, alternative arrangements may be possible. Any potential additional costs would be discussed and agreed in advance, although in most circumstances we aim to keep placements free.
These arrangements apply to educational work experience rather than our separately funded adult Day Opportunities service.
Looking for a Regular Placement at SCB?
Our work experience opportunities are intended for students currently in education or training.
For adults with additional support needs who are looking for regular, ongoing activities rather than educational work experience, SCB also provides a dedicated Day Opportunities for Adults service.
This offers meaningful work-based activities, opportunities to develop skills and social connections, and a supportive environment. Regular placements are available for up to five days per week, subject to assessment, availability and appropriate funding.
Find out more about Day Opportunities for Adults at SCB
For students approaching the end of education, work experience may also provide a useful introduction to SCB and help families consider whether our adult service could be suitable in the future.
Get in Touch About Work Experience
Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher or education professional, we’d be happy to discuss suitable work experience opportunities for students aged 16 and over.
From a few hours to a longer educational placement, please get in touch to explore what might be possible.
Call SCB on 01270 255319 or visit our Contact Us page to make an enquiry.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Work Experience at SCB
