Coleg y Cymoedd’s Gateway to Employment Programme Wins National SEND Award

Coleg y Cymoedd’s Gateway to Employment Supported Internship Programme, in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, has won the ‘Support into Employment’ award at the National SEND Awards 2025.

This recognises the programme’s success in supporting young people aged 16-24 with learning disabilities and or autism spectrum disorders to transition from education into meaningful employment.

Through the partnership’s leaders from Coleg y Cymoedd, Dorian Davies and Helen Taylor-Hodges, as well as RCT’s Emma Brandon, the programme has provided 34 placements, with 11 interns securing employment since its launch in 2019.

The programme stands out for its tailored approach, matching each placement to the intern’s strengths and long-term career goals, with support from college tutors, job coaches, and RCT’s devoted team.

Interns receive consistent on-the-job support, gaining real work experience across various departments such as Leisure, Vision Products, Library Services, and Adult Day Services.

RCT staff are trained in neurodiversity awareness, fostering a safe and supportive environment where interns can thrive, challenging stereotypes, and recognising diverse abilities as strengths.

20-year-old learner, Connie, celebrated gaining a work placement at the end of the programme: “I loved the programme as it has helped me gain confidence in work and with travelling independently.”

Connie’s Mum, Kathryn, added: “Since Connie has been on the programme she has grown in confidence and has gained the key skills to help her move on independently in the future.”

Another intern and Coleg y Cymoedd learner, Kaidan, aged 18, said the programme helped him build up his confidence and thanked his tutors and job coaches for their help.

Amanda, Kaidan’s mum, commented: “It’s an amazing course. The change in Kaidan over the last year has been amazing. His confidence has come on leaps and bounds as has his communication skills and self-esteem.”

SEND Award judges, including representatives from Nurture International, The Root of It, and NAHT, commended the programme’s consistent success rates, even with varying enrolment numbers, highlighting its enduring commitment and impact.

They remarked: “We were particularly impressed by the strength of this partnership, recognising its unique and effective approach to supporting young people into employment.”

Assistant Principal for Learner Experience, at Coleg y Cymoedd, Lisa Purcell, said: “I am so proud of our Coleg y Cymoedd team and partners in RCTCBC. This is such an important programme for our learners, providing them with genuinely life-changing opportunities.”

“Everyone involved has worked so hard and they consistently go above and beyond to support our young people.”

Congratulations, all!

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