Over 200 young people and families from Knowsley and the wider Liverpool City Region attended the Inclusive Learning and Supported Internship Marketplace last week. The event gave visitors the chance to learn more about the learning and work options available for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Organised by Knowsley Council and Liverpool City Council, the marketplace brought together a wide range of organisations offering advice, guidance and information. Staff were on hand throughout the day to talk about support services, training opportunities and different pathways into education and employment.
The event was held at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool City Centre. Organisations taking part included City of Liverpool College, The Learning Foundry, Alder Hey, DWP, St Helens and Knowsley College, Strawberry Field, Employability Solutions, Activate CES and SWRAC. Their teams met with visitors, answered questions and shared resources about the help they can provide.
Many people who attended said the event was helpful and praised the chance to speak to so many support organisations in one place. Several families commented on how valuable it was to have clear information about next steps for young people with SEND.
The event was funded through the Knowsley Youth Transformation Pilot and demonstrates Knowsley Council’s continued commitment to making sure young people with SEND have strong, accessible choices for education and employment after the age of 16.