If you might not have a plan like going to college, starting a job, or doing training this page brings some options to explore.
Advice and support through an H&F education adviser for young people 16-25
You and your adviser will talk about your interests, any projects, volunteering, or work experience you may have done. Then, together, you will look for opportunities that match your interests and plan the next steps.
Advisers can help you:
- explore supported employment programmes
- find training or qualifications that lead to the career you want
- connect with the right people (this can include talking to someone in the role you want)
- enrol in programmes
- apply for jobs, training, or courses.
Age 16-18?
Fill in the form linked below and an H&F adviser will be in touch.
Young person 16-18 year olds Participation Form
Over 18?
Please register at H&F Works and advisor will contact you.
See Register with H&F for job opportunities
Additional employment support through H&F Works
H&F works offers one-to-one advice, guidance and vacant opportunities to access:
- training
- apprenticeships
- internships
- volunteering
- jobs.
H&F Works can provide additional support such as linking you with other support services if:
- you are a disabled young person 16-25
- you are in care or are a carer leaver
- you are not studying or working right now.
Visit h&f works or contact hf.works@lbhf.gov.uk or 020 8753 1800
Shaw Trust programmes for young people with varied needs
The organisation provides training and work opportunities for:
- people with disabilities and physical health conditions
- people with mental health conditions
- people who have been unemployed for a long time
- current or former carers
- people experiencing homelessness
- member of His Majesty's armed forces or reservists
- people at risk of falling out of work
- refugees
- people with drug or alcohol dependences
- offenders and ex-offenders
- people with learning difficulties, neurodiversity and social communication difficulties.
Support can include:
- developing the skills you need to get into work
- CV writing
- mock interviews
- applying for jobs.
When starting your new job, you can get support during the onboarding process and help with tasks until your confidence increases.
For information on ongoing programmes see Work Support West London - Shaw Trust Free Employment Support
The Spear Programme for extra support to access work due to certain circumstances
Spear is a free programme that coaches young people aged 16 to 24 looking for work and who face barriers such as:
- mental health challenges
- low confidence
- poor grades
- experience of the care system
- experience of the criminal justice system.
You'll be given the confidence, mindset, and skills to get into work and thrive once there. You'll benefit from an impressive CV and cover letter, interview training and practice, access to live job opportunities, and follow-on career support.
Based in Hammersmith you'll attend weekday afternoon sessions for six weeks, with start dates throughout the year.
See The Spear Programme on the resurgo website
Individual placement and support to access paid work through a H&F coordinator or social worker for young people 18 and over
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme provided by the Supported Employment Service is aimed at those:
- known to adult social care
- with one or more of: learning disabled, autistic, neurodivergent.
Your education, health and care (EHC) coordinator or social worker will refer you to a supported employment advisor who can advise you on all stages of job hunting, from the start of your search up to getting an interview and beyond.
Your employment support advisor can also:
- help to build your confidence and self esteem
- help to match you with the right job for your experience and skills
- help you through the interview process, sometimes even attending interviews with you for support
- provide 'on the job' help to guide and support you through the early stages
- advise potential employers on reasonable adjustments.
Advice and support through a H&F coordinator for young people 16-24 with an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan
If you are not sure what's next after college, talk to your coordinator about your future. To confirm who your coordinator is:
- ask your child's school or educational setting
- or contact the SEND Service directly at send@lbhf.gov.uk
You may want to discuss these options below with your coordinator:
• Pre-supported internships for young Disabled people
• Supported internships for young Disabled people