Why Disability Inclusion Matters to Businesses
Young people are ambitious about their future, but for many, the path into employment has never felt harder.
The Youth Voice Census 2026 found that a lack of work experience remains one of the biggest barriers preventing young people from securing a job. At the same time, 43% of young people with additional needs reported severe disruption to their education, including challenges with classroom environments, staff absence, and disruptive behaviour.
These findings matter because the transition from education into employment can shape a young person’s future for years to come. When young people struggle to access opportunities, gain experience, or build confidence, the risk of becoming disconnected from education, employment or training increases.
At Surrey Choices, supporting young people to overcome these barriers is at the heart of what we do.
One young person’s story demonstrates the difference that the right support can make.
A year ago, J had left school without GCSEs and was not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Like many young people facing barriers to work, he lacked confidence and was unsure of what the future held.
This week, after completing a Surrey Choices Supported Internship, J starts his first paid job at one of the UK’s largest amusement parks, a role he describes as his dream job.
His journey reflects a wider challenge highlighted by the Youth Voice Census. Young people want to work and succeed, but many need the right opportunities, experience, and support to get started.
Through our EmployAbility programmes, Surrey Choices helps young people with additional needs gain the skills, confidence, and practical experience employers are looking for.
For young people who are not yet ready for work-focused support, PREP is our personalised support programme to tackle barriers such as anxiety, low confidence and a lack of independence. The programme helps young people who may be at risk of becoming NEET take positive steps towards education, training, volunteering, or employment.
Future Choices supports young people aged 16 to 24 with SEND and an EHCP to develop employability skills through a combination of work experience, personal development, and wellbeing support. The aim is to help participants build the confidence and skills needed to move closer to employment and independent living.
Supported Internships offer young people the opportunity to learn in real workplaces while receiving personalised support. By combining workplace experience with structured learning, the programme helps participants gain the skills and confidence needed to secure and sustain employment.
The impact is clear. Over the past three years, participation in PREP and Future Choices has grown by 157%, increasing from 46 to 118 young people. Surrey Choices’ Supported Internship programme achieved 100% engagement in 2025/26, with 47% of participants securing paid employment and 27% progressing into further education, alongside significant improvements in confidence, independence, and social inclusion.
Demand for these programmes continues to exceed capacity, reflecting both the need for specialist support and the positive outcomes achieved.
The Youth Voice Census shows that young people have aspirations, ambition, and a desire to work. The challenge is ensuring they have access to the opportunities and support needed to turn those ambitions into reality.
If you are a young person, parent/carer or employer you can find out more information at www.surreychoices.com or call 01483 806 806
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