The Digital Bridge: Connecting learners with SEND to employers

The employment rate for adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is 4.8% and predicted to decline. While school leavers with special educational needs and disabilities are capable of working, they face significant barriers in demonstrating their abilities, as traditional assessments often fail to identify their talents. Qualification requirements often exclude those from specialist schools, widening the skills gap. A lack of standardised supported employment practices, few trained advisors, and limited employer awareness further compound the issue. 

The Digital Bridge project is working to tackle unemployment among adults with SEND by creating an accessible platform that improves communication between prospective employers and learners with special educational needs and disabilities. User profiles will display digital badges, showcasing vocational skills for learners and accessibility features for employers. The platform includes a matchmaking function, profile suggestions and guidance on earning new badges. Trusted employers and SEND institutions will also be able to create custom badges tailored to their needs. 

By bypassing traditional hiring barriers, such as exams, interviews, and misconceptions about capabilities, Digital Bridge fosters direct, meaningful connections between learners with special educational needs and disabilities and inclusive employers. This innovative approach addresses real-world challenges and has the potential to deliver sustainable, long-term impact.