Creating opportunities: Supporting SEND learners into the world of work

For some young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), moving from education into employment can feel like a big step into the unknown. At Zoom Acton, they’re helping make that transition a little easier.

Tarik Soloman, Operations Manager, and his colleagues are giving SEND learners from Orchard Hill College the opportunity to experience a real workplace, develop new skills and build confidence for their next steps.

“Everyone deserves a level playing field, access to opportunities and the right support for success. If, as an Ocado employee, I have the ability to provide such support, I will.” Tarik Soloman, Operations Manager, Zoom

Learning what the world of work is really like
Over 10 weeks, learners spend every Wednesday and Thursday on site, completing 80 hours of work experience with a dedicated supervisor. They take on a picking role, providing an accessible introduction to working life through simple instructions, less movement and user-friendly OSP screens.

Okan Genc, Specialist Operations Trainer, delivers their day-one induction, adapted to keep learners engaged and make the learning accessible. Practical training allows them to put what they’ve learned into practice and build confidence in their role.

“SEND learners are a joy to be around, and I truly believe every workplace should have programmes to give them the chance to experience this. Seeing the learners having a good time while learning new things, putting on their uniform, and feeling part of the team makes this experience a whole lot better. When I visit the site and bump into them, seeing their smiles and hearing them tell me stories from their experiences is such a rewarding feeling.” Okan Genc, Specialist Operations Trainer, Zoom

For the learners, the experience has also helped build confidence and show them what they’re capable of: “On my first day I was really scared and I didn’t think I could do it, but now I know I am good at it and I want to come back every week.” Learner, Orchard Hill College

Creating a more inclusive environment
The programme is helping SEND learners understand what working life could look like after college, while giving colleagues the opportunity to build their understanding of neurodiversity.

So far, seven learners across two cohorts have taken part, with five completing their placements, and a third cohort starts on Wednesday 23 September.

Katherine Cooke, Training Development Partner, delivered a session for Team Managers at Zoom Acton, covering autism and ADHD and practical ways to support learners. This included sensory boxes donated by Ocado’s Neurodiversity Community.

“The most important thing is to listen, avoid making assumptions and understand that every individual is different. Small adjustments, such as giving clear instructions, allowing extra processing time and being aware of sensory needs, can make a big difference in helping someone feel comfortable and included.” Katherine Cooke, Training Development Partner, Ocado Logistics

Opening the door to what comes next
The support doesn’t have to end when a learner’s placement does. The team at Zoom Acton remains connected with an agency that provides government-supported employment support for neurodiverse people, helping learners explore their options and take their next steps towards employment. One learner has already been registered with the agency to help them find their next opportunity.

A huge thank you to Tarik Soloman, Chris Cox, Okan Genc, Katherine Cooke, Nakeeran Mootyen, Haroon Hemat, Rhys Soares, Elisa Canini and everyone at Orchard Hill College for their time, support and commitment in making this programme possible and for helping to create meaningful opportunities for SEND learners to experience the world of work.

Find out more about our WorkStart courses at Orchard Hill College.