According to recent statistics from NHS Digital, shockingly, only 4.8% of adults with a learning disability in the UK have paid work, reducing to 3.1% in the East Midlands. However, according to a recent survey by Mencap, 86% of adults with a learning difficulty, who don’t currently have a job, want to work. 

Creating Tomorrow College (CTC), an innovative college for young people with special educational needs, aims to close this unwanted gap and improve disability employment rates. 

CTC is bringing its pioneering model to Leicestershire with the launch of its third campus at Magna Park, opening September 2024. The college is dedicated to empowering students with learning difficulties, and its innovative approach to education and employment equips students with the skills, knowledge and character necessary to not only secure gainful employment, but also thrive in their adult lives. 

At the new Iron Mountain campus, CTC have partnered with the logistics and data digitisation company’s Magna Park site to provide a state-of-the-art learning facility. Students will immerse themselves in the Pathway to Employment programme, not only attending classes but also actively participating in a broad range of work experience opportunities across multiple sectors. This hands-on approach ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the workforce, setting them up for lifelong success.

Students attend the college for up to three years, dependent on their individual needs, with the opportunity to progress to a supported internship in the second or third year. These internships will provide students with valuable industry-specific experience, giving them a competitive edge in their chosen fields, enhancing career prospects and setting them up for long-term sustainable employment.

This academic year, 100% of supported interns based at CTC have gained employment and their employability qualification has a 98% success rate. By bringing this successful programme to Leicestershire aided by Iron Mountain’s great passion and support, CTC hopes to improve the long-term prospects of young people with learning difficulties local to Lutterworth.

"We are thrilled to bring Creating Tomorrow College to Lutterworth through our partnership with Iron Mountain. Our commitment to preparing our students for the challenges of the modern workforce and addressing the disability employment deficit is at the heart of our mission, and the new campus will play a pivotal role in achieving that mission," said Gareth Ivett, Principal of Creating Tomorrow College.

Phil Shepley, Vice President & Head of Commercial UK & Ireland at Iron Mountain said; "We are delighted to be starting this partnership with Creating Tomorrow with the ambition to support many students in the workplace full-time.  The work that Creating Tomorrow Partnership does is truly inspirational, and we're delighted to be playing a part.  Providing long-term employment opportunities is a very effective way large companies can engage with the communities we work within and that should be to the whole population.  We are delighted to be working with and supporting the Creating Tomorrow Partnership.”

It’s not too late to apply, CTC is now accepting applications for September 2024 entry. To apply, the student must have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) and be 18-25 years old on starting the course. For more information or to arrange a discussion, visit www.creatingtomorrowcollege.co.uk. or email info@creatingtomorrowcollege.co.uk.