Degree-level study can be a challenge for any student, and in a competitive job market, students often also need relevant work experience. When you have health issues or other potential challenges, you may want some extra advice and support. We can help you develop a strategy to make sure you get the most from your time at university and find out about support available through employment schemes, agencies and grants. It's never too early to start exploring ways you can build your skills and experience.  

Getting skills and experience

During your time at university, you will have lots of opportunities to get involved in activities that can enhance your skills and boost your confidence. Examples include finding a mentor, volunteering, and options to work while you study. 

Positive employers and diversity programmes  

Some employers are part of the Disability Confident Scheme. This scheme has three levels of commitment (3 being the highest) and replaces the 'Two Ticks' scheme. These employers have made commitments to employing disabled people. For example, some employers with a Level 2 commitment give a guaranteed job interview, if you meet the essential requirements of the job. See the current list of employers that are signed up, on the Department for Work and Pensions website.

Diversity or Positive action/inclusion schemes offer targeted support to encourage disabled students and graduates to apply for placements, internships, work experience and employment. Here are some examples of such schemes with individual employers: 

• Motability Operations
• Civil Service summer diversity internship programme

Finding positive employers 

Companies might choose to show their support for diversity by signing up to specific charters or advertising through websites aimed at people with disabilities. The Business Disability Forum work in partnership with business, Government, and disabled people to remove barriers to inclusion. Its members have been awarded the 'Diversity Standard'. And the Mindful Employer website supports people with mental health conditions to find or retain employment.

Disclosing disability 

Disclosing your disability is a personal decision. It isn't always easy to disclose to new people, but the Careers and Employability Service can offer advice and support. Remember that you have rights under the Equality Act 2010 and employers must treat you fairly. If you decide to disclose your disability, you have the opportunity to present it positively. Highlight your strengths, suggest what challenges you have already overcome and discuss any adjustments you might need to do your job effectively.

Challenging discrimination

It is often difficult to be sure whether you have definitely experienced discrimination. You may be questioning whether your recruitment outcome was a result of your skills and experience or because of your disability / medical condition. The Equality Act 2010 makes it clear that there are certain questions an employer is not allowed to ask in a job interview and that it is also their legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments where needed. Acas and The Equality Advisory Service are two organisations in addition to Citizens Advice that can help you determine whether you have a legal case to take to an employment tribunal. 

Interviews  

If you want to build your interview skills and confidence, then you may find it helpful to book an appointment with a Careers Adviser. Once you have an interview date, you can also book an appointment for a 'practice interview' too. You will also find useful information on our Interviews page.

You can also find useful resources on how to prepare for interviews on our Career Centre 360 platform.

Educational awards  

Two funds that are known to be available for students with disabilities are:

• The Motability Operations Scholarship Programme for undergraduates.
• The Snowdon Trust Scholarships for future leaders applying for postgraduate study. 

Access to work 

This is a government-funded grant which provides flexible and individually tailored support to allow disabled people to compete on equal terms in the workplace. It can provide the following types of support: 

• communication support/personal support at job interviews 
• adaptations to equipment or premises 
• costs of travel if unable to use public transport 
• workplace personal assistant or coach to help you in the workplace 
• support service if you have a mental health condition 

To be eligible for the grant, you must be 16 or over and either: 

• about to start employment
• in a paid job or self-employed (does not include voluntary work or unpaid placement) 

You can find out more on the Access to Work website. You need to apply via the website to a central government department or by phone/text phone. In order to make an application you would need to disclose your disability to an employer. 

Local support agencies

Jobcentre Plus employ work coaches and specialist advisers who can offer: 

• support to any disabled person in or out of work - including disabled graduates looking for work 
• disabled students looking for part-time work or work experience 
• support to sustain employment advice on Access to Work and a range of other programmes 
• advocacy, advice, occupational assessments 

Jobcentre Plus also offer a work-health programme, which helps you find and/or keep a job if you’re out of work.

Other local agencies include: 

• Disability Sheffield - an advisory and information service. Supports all people residing in Sheffield
• Remploy - provides specialist employment support (referral required through the specialist advisers at the Jobcentre)