Unlocking Potential Careers Matters Article June 2025

Careers Matters Magazine June 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, preparing young people for the workforce has never been more critical. But for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the path from classroom to career is often riddled with obstacles. National statistics tell a stark story—only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability known to social care are in paid employment (NHS Digital, 2023), compared to 80% of the general population. These barriers are not simply about ability, but about access, confidence, and opportunity.

At Harrison College in Doncaster, these statistics aren’t accepted—they’re challenged. With a bold, inclusive curriculum and a commitment to real-world learning, this specialist post-16 provider is leading a quiet revolution in how we prepare SEND students for adulthood. For many of its learners, Harrison College isn’t just a college—it’s a launchpad.

Understanding the challenge

SEND students face a range of challenges that impact their journey into employment. From difficulties with social communication to a lack of tailored career advice, the system often overlooks the unique needs of this group. Add to this limited exposure to workplace environments and low confidence levels, and it’s easy to see why so many young people with SEND remain NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) after leaving school.

The wider picture is equally concerning. According to the latest government figures released in January 2024, nearly 1 million young people aged 16–24 in the UK are NEET, representing around 13.2% of that age group (ONS, Labour Market Statistics 2024). Among these, young people with SEND are disproportionately represented. The reasons are multi-layered—but a significant factor is the lack of access to quality careers education and real-life skills development in mainstream settings.

A report from the Careers & Enterprise Company (2023) highlighted that only 45% of schools consistently deliver all Gatsby Benchmarks—the gold standard for good careers guidance. Furthermore, schools often lack the resources, training, or partnerships needed to tailor employability programmes to SEND students. As a result, many young people leave education without the skills, confidence, or support networks needed to take their next step.

But what if education did more than just acknowledge these barriers? What if it actively dismantled them?

The Harrison College approach: where education meets employability

Founded with a clear mission to “your future, your choice,” Harrison College has built its entire educational model around skills-based learning, business engagement, and personal empowerment. Every element of the curriculum is designed not just to inform—but to transform.

At the heart of the college’s strategy lies the Skills Builder Universal Framework, a research-driven model that breaks down eight essential employability skills—like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication—into manageable, teachable steps. This structured approach allows