MAJOR employers will be helping to raise the aspirations of young people in North Yorkshire with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at a series of careers events around the county.

The events have been organised by North Yorkshire County Council’s inclusion team in response to calls from the county’s Flying High group, which represents young people with SEND, for more help in finding out about employment opportunities.

Employers taking part in the events include Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Morrisons, Greggs, Flamingoland theme park, the FT Group – which includes construction companies Walter Thompson and Willoughbys – the NHS and the county council’s recruitment teams. In addition, there will be support organisations that can offer information and advice.

Young people can book sessions in advance with employers to learn about what employers there are in the area, how employers recruit, what they look for in staff and how they can support young people with SEND within the workplace. Opportunities include one-year supported internships with the possibility of moving into employment.

Chelsea Tiley, the chair of Flying High, who is currently at college, said: “We wanted more training in employability skills to get people into work, as we didn’t think there was enough of that. I will be going along to one of the events to see what’s on offer.”

Councillor Patrick Mulligan said: “We’ve listened to what young people with special educational needs have told us and have designed these events to meet their requirements and enable them to raise their aspirations.

“The events will be a great opportunity to talk to major companies about what they can offer, so I urge young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

A Flying High with Your Future SEND event will take place at Northallerton School and Sixth Form on Tuesday, September 24, from 5pm to 8pm.

Visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/flyhighwithyourfuture.