Bridging the Gap – How Surrey Choices Empowers Young People

Bridging the Gap – How Surrey Choices Empowers Young People  

For many young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent or who have struggled in traditional education settings, the transition from the classroom into meaningful employment can feel overwhelming. With the right support, mentoring, and opportunities, these young people can thrive. Surrey Choices’ EmployAbility Team plays a crucial role in this journey, ensuring that no young person is left behind and that businesses benefit from an often-overlooked pool of exceptional talent. 

From Education to Employment: A Supported Pathway 

Surrey Choices offers Supported Internships and a range of pre-internship programmes designed to bridge the gap for young people with additional support needs aged 16–24.  Too many young people with neurodivergent needs find themselves on the margins after leaving school; isolated, lacking in confidence, and unsure of their next steps.  They can become trapped in a cycle of vocational learning that doesn’t adequately prepare them for the world of work. 

Surrey Choices changes that narrative. 

We match each young person with an Employment Support Specialist to seek work experience and paid opportunities with local employers who recognise their strengths, accommodate their needs, and support their growth. Young people build real-world skills through ‘on the job’ learning, establish routines, develop independence, and gain the confidence needed to succeed. We offer multiple pathways, ensuring that every learner has a chance to progress whatever their starting point. 

A Proven Model That Transforms Lives 

Earlier this year, we welcomed the second cohort onto our Supported Internship programme for young people without an EHCP, specifically including those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), a group often missed in traditional provision. 

The results speak for themselves: 50% of participants from last year’s pilot progressed into paid work, with all continuing their journey towards paid work at the end of the programme through further education, training or ongoing employment support. 

Operations Director Louise Hayes said, “We are delighted to have received renewed funding via DfE and the Internships Work programme to continue this important project.  There is limited provision and a huge appetite for support amongst this cohort of young people who often fall through the gaps. The extended funding has allowed us to onboard an additional 30 young people on to the programme, opening doors to their futures and strengthening our local communities in Surrey by investing in the next generation of talent.” 

Surrey Choices continues to champion this vision: a world where every young person has a route to meaningful employment and independence. 

If you are a young person ready for your next step, or a business who would like to help support the next generation, we are here to help. 

Louise Hayes, Operations Director, Surrey Choices