The below information is broken down into Pan Dorset local authority areas: BCP Council and Dorset Council.
Use the drop down menus to view the various different support and pathways available.
BCP Council:
Careers Advice:
National Careers Service: The NCS provides careers information, advice and guidance.
BCP UP: An information and advice service for young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Please call: 07880480602
Preparing for adulthood - learning and training: Local information for young people with SEND.
College:
Apprenticeships:
Amazing Apprenticeships: Information about apprenticeships and technical education.
Apprenticeships - Government Website: Use this service to search and apply for apprenticeships in England.
Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network: Directories providing up-to-date information on training and career options. This includes apprenticeships, T-Levels, internships, SEND progression opportunities and details of local training providers.
Programmes to Support Employment:
Spear Programme: Spear is designed for 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training. You need to be available Monday to Friday, 1:30 – 4pm for six weeks, and be able to travel to one of our centres.
Yes, You Can Programme: SEND4 supported employment and job coach agency in Dorset and Hampshire.
Volunteering
Skill UP BCP: Careers Advice and Guidance, CV Writing and Updating, Interview Skills Job Searching Advice. Participants must be over 16 and either need to be not claiming/earning or be on PIP or a benefit or situation where they are not required to look for work.
Each Participant is allocated their own Personal Coach who works with them to identify their employment and training goals and produce an action plan. Appointments are usually every 2 weeks and offered via Teams or telephone. Please call: (01202) 123 444.
Skills and Learning: Skills & Learning ACE provide a variety of adult learning and education courses for individuals in Dorset & surrounding areas.
BCHA Learn: Courses for 18/19 year old, including Skills for Work. Please call: 01202 410595.
NEW: GOAT Project English & Maths: Free online course available for 16- to 19-year-olds in Dorset & BCP Council areas starting on 15/09/25, 16/09/25 till May/June 2026 (2 half days per week of live online lessons). Application forms to be completed. The link provided will direct you through to an email address where you can express your interest in this course.
Ranger Work Experience: Free environmental work experience for 16–25-year-olds in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Gain green skills and connect with nature through hands-on sessions.
Find a Job government website: Find full or part-time jobs in England, Scotland and Wales.
Youth Offer (Universal Credit claimants aged 16–24): Easy to use research platform showing job profiles, Labour Market Information and pathways of how to get there.
Steps 2 Wellbeing: The Employment Advice Service offers guidance on returning to work, navigating unemployment, and managing workplace stress. They provide personalised support for individuals facing challenges managing disabilities and health conditions at work. They also offer help for students with time management, career planning, and transitioning into the workforce.
Other support - Career Websites:
Career Pilot: Empowering young people: Explore prestigious apprenticeships, technical pathways and careers.
icould: A free, downloadable guide packed with advice on job hunting, CV writing, interviews, and building a personal brand.
Careers Advice Toolkit: Find full or part-time jobs in England, Scotland and Wales. Use the ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for jobs.
Youth Employment UK: A Skills and Careers Hub providing 11-30-year-olds with free resources, advice and guidance.
Dorset Council:
Careers Advice:
National Careers Service: The NCS provides careers information, advice and guidance.
BCP UP: An information and advice service for young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Please call: 07880480602
Colleges:
Bournemouth and Poole College: Level 1 Progression course’, aimed at young people not in education, employment and training who are unsure of career goals. There is an option to take Functional Maths and English. September/October start date. It also has a January start date. Run from the North Road Campus in Poole. You can ask for information about this course by calling the college helpline: 01202 205205. Apply via college website, here.
Brockenhurst College: ‘Pathway to Apprenticeship, College and Employment’ (PACE) course aimed at young people who want to get ready to apply for jobs/apprenticeship or college. Young People will have the chance to take Maths and English, work experience, develop good communication skills (e.g. for job interviews) and confidence. No qualifications needed for entry. Course starts in September. See this link.
SWRAC: Dorset offers a variety of education & life skills courses aimed at SEND young people with EHC Plans via their centres in Boscombe, Winton, Merley House & Dorchester. Courses such as Preparation for Adulthood/Preparation Life & Supported Internships are based at their Dorchester and Bournemouth centres and have start dates in September, November & February. Most of the places are for young adults with EHCP’s, limited places may be available for young adults without an EHCP. Email: referrals@swrac.ac.uk
Coastland College - Kings Trust Team Programme: The King’s Trust Team Programme is open to 16- to 25-year-olds not in work/training (& those at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training) who wish to build their confidence and gain skills to help them gain employment/enter education. Three x 12-week courses across the academic year.
Coastland College - Functional Skills: ‘Functional Skills’ in English, Maths, ICT & Job Club – free to learners aged 19 at the main campus.
Coastland College - Step Forward Programme: ‘Step Forward Programme’ aimed at young people aged 16 – 19 not in education/training or employment. It is an individual programme designed to build confidence and resilience. Students will be able to do work experience and taster sessions in different classes. For those who are ready, the opportunity to take a qualification. The college assistance dog will be present for some sessions. This course is a stepping stone towards further education or employment.
Coastland College - Preparation Pathways: Preparation Pathways level 1 course – aimed at 16 -18 age learners who are not sure of their vocational preferences & need support to achieve. They will experience ‘vocational tasters’ in addition to work experience. The idea is to prepare learners to be ready to apply for the right vocational courses or employment.
Yeovil College: Kick Start To English, Maths & Employability course. It is aimed at 16 – 18 year olds wishing to take Maths & English GCSE and Functional Skills. A useful stepping stone towards applying for jobs/apprenticeships or further education. Apply via the college website, here.
Apprenticeships:
Amazing Apprenticeships: Information about apprenticeships and technical education.
Apprenticeships - Government Website: Use this service to search and apply for apprenticeships in England.
Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network: Directories providing up-to-date information on training and career options. This includes apprenticeships, T-Levels, internships, SEND progression opportunities and details of local training providers.
Programmes to Support Employment:
Spear Programme: Offer a 4 week programme of group activities and individual mentoring activities designed to help young people be ready to apply for work or education. Various start dates across the year. Further support/mentoring available for up to 1 year after the 4 week programme. Functional Maths and English up to level 2 also available. Based in the centre of Bournemouth. Open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment or education in BCP & Dorset Council areas. They are various start dates across the year.
Yes, You Can Programme: SEND4 supported employment and job coach agency in Dorset and Hampshire.
Volunteering
Dorset Supported Employment Services: If you live in Dorset* and have a learning disability or autism, this service can help you get ready for and find paid work. The service work with people with a learning disability, autism and additional physical or sensory disabilities from the age of 16 years old to 65. The individual should be known to Dorset Adult Social Care and have care act eligibility needs.
Dorset Local Offer: The Dorset Council Local Offer provides essential information and support for children and young people (ages 0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including resources for education, health, and social care.
Dorset Council Education, Training and Work
Dorset Council Home Education Information: Resources and support for young people and parents.
Skills and Learning: Skills & Learning ACE provide a variety of adult learning and education courses for individuals in Dorset & surrounding areas.
NEW: GOAT Project English & Maths: Free online course available for 16- to 19-year-olds in Dorset & BCP Council areas starting on 15/09/25, 16/09/25 till May/June 2026 (2 half days per week of live online lessons). Application forms to be completed. The link provided will direct you through to an email address where you can express your interest in this course.
The Rendezvous: Offers free Level 1 and Level 2 English and Maths qualifications for people aged 16 years old to 25 with supportive tutors. Learning sessions take place in Sherborne Mondays & Fridays (online learning options available). Please call: 01935 814496.
Whitehead-Ross Education: 16 -18 year olds study programme open to young people not in education, employment or training. The programmes are 15 weeks long and have 3 starts dates per year. Learners will work towards City & Guilds Awards in Employability & Functional Maths/English. Please call: 01305 261626.
Shoots Training: Level 1 Study Programmes, available in Caring for Children and Business Administration. Fully funded learning programme for 16–18-year-olds (or up to 24 for those with an EHCP). Very practical style of learning with 1 to 1 tutor support (face to face or online) and small group workshops.
The Study programme usually lasts for 6 – 9 months and has a requirement for work placements 3 days per week with a childcare or business administration employer. Shoots Training will find employer placements in the young person’s local area. No GCSE’s needed to apply. They also offer Maths and English Functional Skills up to Level 2 and the Level qualification 1 in Childcare or Business Admin. Wellbeing workshops on topics such as confidence building, healthy living, money management & dealing with stress/anxiety also provided. Designed to help Young People move into further training, apprenticeships, or employment.
SEND4: The SEND4 team will help identify your strengths, build your confidence and find the right role for you. Our dedicated approach has been created to support those who may have a learning disability, autism or might have experienced a long break from employment to gain and more importantly keep a job.
Dorset Community Action: Help young people across Dorset overcome barriers to employment, education and training. Whether it’s through hands-on paid work in garden maintenance, nationally accredited horticulture qualifications, or one-to-one life coaching for those at risk of becoming NEET, our programmes unlock potential, build confidence, and change lives.
They work with:
- Young people with SEND
- Adults facing social or educational disadvantage
- Schools, social workers, local authorities and community partners
- Employers and organisations committed to inclusive recruitment.
Other support - Career Websites:
Career Pilot: Empowering young people: Explore prestigious apprenticeships, technical pathways and careers.
icould: A free, downloadable guide packed with advice on job hunting, CV writing, interviews, and building a personal brand.
Careers Advice Toolkit: Find full or part-time jobs in England, Scotland and Wales. Use the ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for jobs.
Exam Centres
London South East Colleges: Free online work place related courses for Adult Learners aged 19 years old and beyond.
Whitehead-Ross Education (CSCS Cards): Current Adult Skills courses include Support Work in Schools & Colleges, CSCS – Health & Safety in Construction, Customer Service/ Hospitality, Understanding Autism, Basic ICT.
Steps to Wellbeing Employment Services: Employment Advice Service offers guidance on returning to work, navigating unemployment, and managing workplace stress. They provide personalised support for individuals facing challenges managing disabilities and health conditions at work. They also offer help for students with time management, career planning, and transitioning into the workforce. They can also help you prepare if you are nearing retirement.
If you are long-term unemployed and considering what steps you may need to get into paid employment, they can assist you with considering volunteering or exploring self-employment.
Employment Advisors come from a variety of backgrounds, including human resources, nursing, and management. They can offer practical solutions to your employment goals or difficulties. They are experienced in supporting patients with any long-term health condition or neurodivergence if this is impacting your wellbeing at work.
Youth Employment UK: A Skills and Careers Hub providing 11-30-year-olds with free resources, advice and guidance.