Employer Engagement
We are keen to connect with both local and nationwide businesses who would like to support our Careers Programme.
If you can help with an employer engagement or for further information contact dhills@woodlandsmeed.co.uk
The MJC’s ultimate goal is to help students progress into employment. Our range of employer engagement activities allows businesses to learn about our students' skills and build confidence in hiring and working with SEND individuals.
Through visiting and working in local organisations, students get to know the company, understand job expectations, and gain confidence in the work environment.
If a job opportunity arises, they can make an informed decision about whether the role and company are right for them.
Work Place Visit: Businesses host small groups of students for workplace visits. Feedback from both employers and students is used to improve future activities.
Work Experience: Businesses offer work experience to individuals or small groups for six weeks, with students attending one day a week. Candidates for this opportunity are chosen from those who showed enthusiasm during a work place visit and whose interests align with the company. Work experience can involve a single role or rotations through different departments. Regular reviews are conducted after the first session, mid-point, and end, with additional reviews as needed.
Work Placement: Businesses provide extended work experience where students the student will be carrying out a business role as an employee would. Reviews are typically conducted after the first day, mid-point, and end, with additional feedback sessions as needed.
Employment: The ultimate goal is paid employment, but MJC acknowledges that recruitment decisions depend on various factors, including business needs, and employment is not guaranteed.
Meeds Job Club are active members of two local business networks – Burgess Hill Business Parks Association and Haywards Heath Business Association | Mid Sussex Business Networking to build relationships with local employers and advocate on behalf of students. We have hosted brunch networking events for both associations in addition to making presentations on a range of topics including accessible apprenticeships and reasonable.
BHBPA is on a mission to move the dial in improving the employment outcomes for young people with disabilities. Currently is Sussex their chances of securing employment fall well below the national average. We encourage our members to take on assisted apprenticeships using the excellent Meeds Job Club support structure. Already several of our members have taken up this offer and have successfully brought young adults into their teams, these teams show palpable pride in being part of the Inclusion Revolution.
Ridgeview are privileged to be able to partner with Woodlands Mead. We always look forward to their visits to us or our visits to them. This partnership allows us to provide meaningful opportunities for staff to get involved, develop new skills, and build connections locally. It also supports an inclusive culture, increasing awareness of different levels of support we can build into our workplace as well as providing an understanding of current education pedagogy plus the career development threads schools weave into the curriculum. World-class English Sparkling Wine - Ridgeview
"Being involved with Woodlands Meed School offers several significant benefits for Plumpton Racecourse as an organisation. This partnership fosters a sense of community engagement, demonstrating Plumpton’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. By working with Woodlands Meed, the racecourse can help provide opportunities for students with special educational needs, contributing to their development and well-being.” https://www.plumptonracecourse.co.uk/
"Being involved with Woodlands Meed and Meed's Job Club has been incredibly beneficial for our organisation. Offering work placements and engaging with students during Careers Week has allowed us to connect with enthusiastic individuals who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our workplace. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact these opportunities have on students' confidence and skill development. It’s a privilege to support their journey, and we look forward to continuing to provide meaningful experiences and, hopefully, longer-term career opportunities for their students. It has also strengthened our ties with the local community and reinforced our commitment to supporting young people’s career development. These interactions not only contribute to the students' growth but also help us identify potential future team members, making it a truly valuable partnership." https://consortfrozenfoods.co.uk/
"We have hosted a number of students from Woodlands Meed College. It has been a pleasure to work with the students and has been a great experience for our volunteers as well as providing them with some valuable work in the voluntary sector" http://www.yourlocalpantry.org.uk/