News

Thurrock Council host special event to boost SEND students' employability skills

30 October 2025

Young people with SEND from across Thurrock took part in a special workshop that looked to boost the skills they could use in their supported internships and future employment.

Thurrock Council hosted a fantastic skills day at Grangewaters Outdoor Education Centre on 21 October, for USP College and South Essex College students on Supported Internships.

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16- to 24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The day focused on sharing skills with the young people that would help to boost employability, build teamwork and communication, and showcase local career opportunities.

19 students took part in the workshop which included:

  • interactive sessions with the Inspire Employability and Skills team
  • team building and communication workshops led by Balfour Beatty and Bouygues-Murphy
  • exploring future job prospects linked to the Lower Thames Crossing.

It was an opportunity for the young people to make new friends and share inspiring stories about their internships.

The exciting day ended with outdoor activities at Grangewaters, building confidence and teamwork through fire building and archery.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Community Safety, said: “It’s wonderful that we have been able to support these inspiring young people to gain hands-on experience and build the skills they need to thrive in the workplace.

“Events like this and the work that our Inspire Hub does helps to show just how powerful the collaboration between our services, education providers and local employers really is, and I’m proud of the support we’re offering to help every young person reach their potential.”

To find out more about the type of career support Inspire - Employability and Skills can offer, visit: https://www.thurrockopportunities.co.uk/i-need-advice/advice-for-young-people/inspire-hub/

To find out more about Grangewaters and the amazing outdoor activities that you can enjoy, visit: www.grangewaters.com