Transition

The transition support service is a new service being offered by Moving On Employment Project.  The post began in September 2010 and has run for 6 months as a pilot scheme in partnership with Eric Gray Services.  Due to the success of the pilot we have secured future funding until 31^st December 2013 and officially launched the service on the 22^nd March 2010 at the Moving On Employers Event.

The transition support service came about as it was noted that there was a gap in the service being provided to young people in the transition from school to adult services with additional support needs and autistic spectrum conditions.  The number of young people with physical or learning disabilities is expected to almost double to 200 by the year 2020, meaning a growing increase on demand for the services currently available.

The Transition Support Worker’s role is to promote and enhance the employment opportunities within the local community, predominately for young people between 16 and 25 with additional support needs and autistic spectrum conditions.

Each client’s employability is assessed, to find suitable training or work placements for them to undertake.  Part of this assessment may be the client’s previous attendance on the Job Crew.

The service offers one to one support either at a work place or at training and further education place.  It is hoped that the support required will be for an initial induction period with the hope of developing independence in the long term.  Support is offered to the young person and also to the employer or training provider.  By engaging with the young person and employers in this way the service ensures that transition into work is effective and rewarding for both parties, with the aim of improving their opportunities in accessing the job market.

It will depend on the individual need of each person and what their disabilities/barriers to employment are.  It is anticipated that some will require short periods of intensive input and may go into full-time employment or training with the right type of support.  Whereas it may take other young people a longer period to make an effective transition into employment or training.  The key to a successful transition is flexibility and effective partnership working.  The project involves effective partnership working with schools, community care services such as EGRC and other support providers such as Skills Development Scotland before a young person leaves school.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during the pilot scheme and are sure it will prove to be a valuable addition to Moving On’s service.