We have launched a new digital tool to make it easier for young people to keep track of their achievements and help plan for future employment or internship opportunities.
We are providing a resource that can offer one consistent approach for all young people in all education settings. This tool, called a Vocational Profile, gives young people a voice to talk about what they are good at, what they aspire to and help them to plan for what they could or would like to do in the future. This support is universal but may be of particular interest to young people with SEND, and their families.
So, what exactly is a Vocational Profile?
The profile is a digital document which allows young people (aged 12 upwards) to keep track of their achievements and identify what kind of support helps them best. They can also use the profile to track their goals, identify job interests, job aspirations, what they enjoy or feel like they are skilled at, as well as to keep a record of work experience.
A Vocational Profile can be used as a prompt (or guidance tool) to help identify potential career pathways and opportunities, whilst also promoting employment as an enjoyable and viable option for all young people, whatever their abilities. A copy of the profile can also be attached to an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
There is a joint responsibility for the young person and their school or college to keep their profile up to date whilst they are in full-time education. A young person can also get support from appropriate family, friends, or professionals if they are no longer in education. Where possible, young people should be encouraged to take ownership of their vocational profile, but support should be provided where necessary.
There are many benefits of using the tool. Such as:
- Helping young people understand their strengths, interests, and aspirations
- Providing a place to make informed decisions about education, training and future employment
- Helping to identify areas for development and prepare them for the job market
- Ensure a comprehensive support system for young people as they navigate their career paths
Many other authorities across the country have been using vocational profiles successfully and so we are happy to be able to launch our own version in Devon.
Phill Adams, SEND Improvement Assistant Director says:
“We’re very pleased to be able to launch our Vocational Profile (VP) in Devon. It’s important that young people are given the opportunity to explore what it is they are good at, and how their skills can help them to find a rewarding and enjoyable career. The VP strengthens our commitment to be ambitious for children and young people, and supports young people to prepare for adulthood”
There are 3 stages to the profile:
Section 1 is completed when a young person is in school or home educated.
Section 2 is completed when the young person is 16 years old or over and is looking towards moving into employment. For example, if they are in further education or a supported internship.
Section 3 is completed when the young person is 16 years old or over and is actively looking for work, an apprenticeship or volunteering.
How does a vocational profile differ from a CV?
A Vocational Profile is not designed to be sent to employers in the same way that you might send a CV. A young person would be supported to complete a Vocational Profile by an appropriate professional. The professional would then try to match the young person to an appropriate work placement opportunity based on the content of the Vocational Profile, but they would only share the content of the Vocational Profile with the employer where it is appropriate, necessary and with the explicit consent of the young person.
“The vocational profile is all about looking at what their strengths are, what their challenges are, what they like to do in their spare time and how this might fit into a rewarding paid role. It’s also about what that might look like for employers in terms of reasonable adjustments.”
Sarah Thorp – Parent and Supported Employment Lead for No Limits Cafe.
“I think it would have made a real difference to my son had it been around when he was going through school and college.”
Alistair Macintosh – Parent Carer Representative, Devon.
Overall, the vocational profile tool empowers young people to take control of their career journeys, making them more confident and prepared for the future.
To find out more about the vocational profile or set up yours visit https://devon.cc/vocational-profile