Furlough scheme ending, new career path starting
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The government's furlough scheme ended on 30 September after helping millions of workers throughout the pandemic. It has been very prosperous in many respects, even though it has cost almost £70 billion so far. After this, hundreds of thousands of people are to be supported as part of the £500 million development of the government's Plan for Jobs.
The Kickstart Scheme, which will be prolonged until March 2022 and open to employers' requests taken until 17 December 2021, will be available to more young people aged 16-24 who claim Universal Credit. As a result, more than 76,900 young people - an average of 3,600 a week - are starting new placements, and this expansion means that more young people will develop the skills, determination, and knowledge to support a long-term sustainable profession.
What to do next after Furlough?
If you have found yourself unemployed and don't know what to do next, maybe you should consider a new career path. Perhaps this could be something different from what you did before. Recent data shows that the education industry faces a shortage of teachers, teaching assistants and other educational professionals necessary for the future development of children and young people.
A particular shortage can be seen across Special Education (SEN or SEND). As a result, Special Education Needs jobs have been in high demand, drawing the attention of many enthusiastic individuals who enjoy working with children and young people and wish to make a difference. Finding the right opportunities in the sector is more accessible than ever! Almost all the jobs sites you can find online will be advertising Special Education needs openings but a SEN specific job site such as Senploy for Special Educational Needs Jobs could be the best place to start.
Find a coach or mentor
It's normal to feel overwhelmed when starting a new career in an unfamiliar sector and SEN is no exception. The best way to minimise this feeling is to connect with someone who has previously been in the same position as you. Find an experienced professional or someone who has been through a career change situation. The more support you have from the outset, the more beneficial it will be for you. Finding an experienced mentor who can provide advice, support and help you to grow in confidence will enhance your learning experience. Very simply, the more skilled and experienced people you surround yourself with, the better for your future.
But the furlough transition is hard
The first thing you need to know about working with special needs children is that they require both energy and patience. You'll be surprised how much you will need! The children and young people can be challenging, and it's good to be aware of that but the reward you receive from supporting these individuals to achieve is priceless!
Every child is unique, so their learning abilities will vary hugely. Being able to adapt your skills to their needs is essential and be aware that in special education, one size certainly does not fit all!
Don't compare yourself to your co-workers or other people who work in SEND. You are not them, and they are not you. Every person deals with challenges in their own way. You will learn many new things and every new experience is an opportunity to further develop and expand your knowledge.
Supporting children with special needs can be complex and challenging, but the key is to be prepared. Know that the work you do is enabling a child or young person to become as independent as possible and you are integral to helping them live their best life.
Remember that the joy you'll gain from helping others is hard to explain until you have experienced it for yourself.
Put the children's needs first. Through your actions, you will know what they need and how you can help in a better way. The support of a good team will help a lot.
It doesn't matter if you're starting from the beginning
Or if you have been doing this profession for years, there will always be something different to learn! So find time each day/weekend to read blogs related to special educational needs or explore other topics.
Starting a career in SEN may not be easy, but it's undoubtedly worth the energy! If you would like to learn more about how you can make your career in Special Educational Needs, check our latest blogs:
- How to start your career in Special Education
- Top 6 career paths in Special Education in 2021
- How do I make the right career choice in 2021
- 10 interview tips that will help you get started
- How to become a Special Educational Needs Assistant
- How to become a SENco in 2021
Conclusion - Starting or resuming your career after furlough
Transitioning from one career to another can be difficult. That's why you should consider SEN jobs at this time. The online courses will help you get into a career and develop the skills necessary for a lifelong profession. It doesn't matter if you're starting fresh or are an experienced professional looking for new opportunities--the education sector is always hiring! If there are no opportunities in your area, don't give up. It's a good idea to stay in touch with the professionals and people you have met in this field. You may find positions in other places or even another country.
Let us know your thoughts on this topic by commenting below or contacting our team of experts with any questions that come up.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Looking for SEN Jobs? Click here to search our current roles