We recognise that learners may face different barriers when progressing into education, volunteering, apprenticeships, university, or employment.
You may need additional support because of:
- A disability or long-term health condition
- A learning difficulty or difference
- Mental health challenges
- Being neurodivergent (such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia)
- English not being your first language
- Caring responsibilities
- Financial challenges
- Being new to the UK
Support for Additional Needs
Access to Work
If you are moving into paid employment, you may be able to access support through the government’s Access to Work scheme.
Support may include:
- Specialist equipment
- Travel support
- Mental health support
- Communication support
- Workplace adjustments
Website: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Access to Work can help disabled people and those with health conditions start work, stay in work, and thrive in the workplace.
Disability Confident Employers
Many employers are part of the Disability Confident scheme, which encourages organisations to recruit, retain, and support disabled people in the workplace.
When applying for jobs, it can be helpful to check whether an employer is Disability Confident.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign
Mental Health Support
Looking for work, changing careers, and progressing into education can sometimes feel stressful. Looking after your wellbeing is just as important as developing your skills.
Mind
Mind provides information and support for a wide range of mental health needs.
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Local Minds
Mind has local branches across the West Midlands offering support, advice, services, and community programmes.
Find your local service: www.mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a range of issues including:
- Employment rights
- Benefits
- Housing
- Debt and money advice
- Consumer issues
- Discrimination
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
If you’re unsure about your rights, finances, or accessing support, Citizens Advice is often an excellent place to start.
ESOL and Multilingual Resources
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
If English is not your first language, there are many services available to help you improve your confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Improving your English can help with:
- Employment
- Volunteering
- Apprenticeships
- University applications
- Everyday life
- Building confidence
At Fircroft College, we recognise that many learners already have valuable skills, qualifications, and work experience from other countries. ESOL support can help you communicate those skills effectively in the UK.
Take a look at our ESOL friendly courses here!
Birmingham Adult Education Service (BAES)
Birmingham Adult Education Service offers ESOL courses for adults wishing to improve their English for everyday life, study, and employment. Courses are available at a variety of levels and may be free depending on your circumstances.
Website: https://learnbaes.org
Birmingham ESOL Hub
The Birmingham ESOL Hub helps learners find English language classes and support services across Birmingham and the wider region.
Website: https://birmingham.esolhub.co.uk
Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC)
The Refugee and Migrant Centre provides advice, guidance, English language support, and employment-related services for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, and surrounding areas.
Support includes:
- ESOL classes
- Employment support
- Education guidance
- Welfare advice
- Health information
- Immigration support
Website: https://rmcentre.org.uk
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service provides free careers advice and guidance, including support for people whose first language is not English.
You can access:
- Careers advice
- Skills assessments
- Course information
- Job profiles
- Training opportunities
Website: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Employment Support for ESOL Learners
If you’re learning English and looking for work, you may find it helpful to:
- Volunteer to gain UK experience
- Join a conversation club
- Attend careers workshops
- Build a CV
- Create a LinkedIn profile
- Complete short courses alongside ESOL study
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get careers support if English is not my first language?
- Yes. Careers support is available to all learners, and we can help you identify your skills, explore opportunities, and understand application processes.
I have qualifications from another country. Do they still count?
- Often, yes. It may be possible to use previous qualifications, experience, and skills when applying for jobs or further study in the UK.
Can I get support if I have a disability or health condition?
- Yes. There are a range of support services available, including reasonable adjustments, specialist advice, and employment support.
What if I don’t know where to start?
- That’s perfectly okay. Many learners begin by talking through their goals and circumstances before deciding on their next step.
Need More Support?
If you’d like guidance on:
- ESOL opportunities
- Additional support needs
- University applications
- Volunteering
- Apprenticeships
- Employment
- Career planning
please contact:
Email: robyn.dawes@fircroft.ac.uk
Phone: 07984 444750
