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SEND Employability Event Empowers Young People at Utilita Bowl
SEND Employability Event Empowers Young People at Utilita Bowl
Young people take part in day of skills-building, teamwork, and mock interviews to support future pathways beyond education
Young people from across Hampshire came together at Utilita Bowl on Tuesday 12th May for a dedicated SEND Employability Event designed to develop transferable skills and prepare participants for future opportunities beyond education.
The event was organised by Hampshire Cricket Board in partnership with the Hampshire Careers Hub and Solent Careers Hub, and supported by Lord’s Taverners. It welcomed 55 young people from seven SEND schools and alternative provisions across the county.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions focused on communication, teamwork, confidence-building, and other key employability skills. A particular highlight was the opportunity to take part in supported mock interviews, helping young people build confidence and gain experience relevant to future education, training, and employment pathways.
For many attendees, simply taking part in the event represented a significant personal achievement. The positive and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day enabled participants to engage confidently with employers, while gaining a clearer understanding of what future opportunities could look like beyond education.
"This event has played a vital role in empowering young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them recognise the value of transferable skills that support success in education and everyday life. It was designed to build confidence, raise aspirations, and show that every individual has the potential to achieve beyond their time in education.
By fostering an inclusive, supportive environment the event helped break down barriers, encouraged participation, and offered meaningful experiences that can positively influence personal development, independence, and future opportunities.
Our ambition is for this pilot to grow into an annual legacy event with county-wide impact. Working with partners including The Lords Taverners and the Hampshire and Solent Careers Hubs, we aim to expand its reach, strengthen opportunities for young people with SEND, and ensure lasting benefits for participants"
Michael Powell, HCB Disability Cricket Development Officer
The event also underlined the importance of accessible and supportive pathways for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Organisers hope the experience will encourage participants to continue developing their confidence and exploring future possibilities.
Overall, the message from the day was clear: with the right support and opportunities, every young person has the potential to succeed and thrive.
"It was incredibly inspiring to see Year 10 students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Alternative Provision from across Hampshire and the Solent come together for our first Employability Day.
The event, delivered in partnership with Hampshire Cricket Board, Lord's Taverners and Solent Careers Hub, was all about building confidence, developing key skills and helping young people take meaningful steps towards the world of work. What stood out most was the way students connected their own interests such as reading, writing, gaming and hands-on activities, to essential employability skills like communication, leadership and problem-solving.
The impact was clear: students left with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the value of their skills, which they now recognise as strengths for their future"
Lisa Fox, Enterprise Coordinator, Hampshire Careers Hub
