People with learning disabilities

Having a job is important. It can give you more money, helps you feel more valued by society, be more independent and gives you more choice.

Many people with learning disabilities want to work and earn money, but most of them do not have jobs.

Different ways to start employment

Sometimes you need to learn how to do a job and may need to learn new skills. These are some of the things you could do:

Work experience is where you work for a short amount of time to get experience of a job but don't get paid. It gives you and an employer the chance to find out about each other. An employer can see your skills. It lets you try out a job and choose whether you like it.
Supported employment means that somebody will help you to learn the skills you need for a job. They will also help you to find a job that is right for you. Once you have got a job, they can help you in the workplace until you are ready to do the job on your own.
Voluntary work is where you do unpaid work for a non-profit organisation like a charity. Voluntary work can be a useful way of getting skills and experience that will help you get a paid job.
Self employment You do not have to work for someone else. You could be your own boss. One way you could do this would be to set up a small business.

Job Centre Plus has Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) who can help you get a job. Their job is to help disabled people to find work.
Real Employment (Employment for Adults with Learning disabilities) is a Kirklees Council employment service for people who need extra support.
Worklink is an Employment Service set up by Kirklees Council to support people with a disability or long term illness into employment, training or work experience.
Connexions West Yorkshire has Personal Advisers that provide information, advice, guidance and support to help young people into employment, education and training.
Volunteering Kirklees can give you information on many different volunteering opportunities that are available, and guidance on what to expect as a volunteer.