Young people with special educational needs are thriving in supported internships across a range of work environments, thanks to a recently-awarded Rhondda Cynon Taf Council scheme.
Residents such as Jack Pensom, 24, who lives in Maerdy and is enjoying working life at Rhondda Fach Sports Centre thanks to a Supported Internship via Gateway to Employment.
Jack joined Gateway to Employment, which is run in partnership with Coleg Y Cymoedd, as a young person needing additional support to move from education to employment.
After discussions with Jack and his family about his career interests, he joined the Council’s Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, working with the support of a Job Coach, a scheme coordinator and a specially-trained manager/mentor.
After completing his Gateway to Employment internship, Jack successfully applied for a two-year paid Apprenticeship and is continuing to build his confidence, skills and career at the centre. He’s a popular colleague and brings a new perspective to the team.
Success stories such as Jack’s impressed judges at the National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards 2025, who commended the positive impact Gateway to Employment has on lives, delivering essential work experience, skills and confidence, while fostering workplace inclusivity.
Awarding Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Employment, Education, Training Team (EET) the Support into Employment Award, judges highlighted the scheme up as an example of how best to support vulnerable young people as they transition from education to employment.
Some 34 young people aged 16-24 with a learning difficulty and/or ASD have so far been supported by Gateway to Employment since its launch in 2019 - 11 have gone on to secure employment.
Students in their final year of education are identified for the scheme, which is delivered with the support of a range of council services, such as libraries, schools, catering services, housing services, children’s services, parks and countryside, leisure centres and more.
Their internships are developed with the young person and their parents/carers and placements based on their skills and interests.
Each young person is supported by a dedicated job coach, the scheme coordinator and managed and mentored by specially-trained staff, helping them secure work experience, build skills and confidence.
Cllr Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The Council is committed, through teams such as Employment, Education and Training, to provide impactful and meaningful work and training opportunities for the County Borough’s young people.
“Gateway to Employment has been helping young people with SEND in their transition from education to employment since 2019 and it has not only helped them, but helped us, too.
“The managers and colleagues of the interns have got just as much from the scheme as the interns themselves, working in an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone has so much to give and learn. Stereotypes are challenged and workplaces are enriched with diverse perspectives and skill sets.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, the interns, and our partners. We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact this initiative has had on our community, empowering young people and creating new opportunities for them to thrive. Thank you to the National SEND Awards for this recognition!”
Richard Daniel Curtis, Chair of the National SEND Awards, said: "The partnership work being undertaken by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is an example of how employers can provide a truly inclusive service to young people at a vulnerable point in their transition from education to employment.
“The judges were impressed with an approach that has significant impact for the young adults accessing it."
Posted on 30/07/2025