Early intervention transforms job outcomes for young disabled people, writes Ashley Ryan

“For young disabled people, the transition from school to work isn’t just important, it’s transformative. Everyone, regardless of background or needs, deserves the knowledge, support, and opportunity to unlock their full potential,” writes Ashley Ryan, Director of Enable Works.  

Today is Employability Day – a celebration now in its 10th year – initiated and coordinated by Employability Related Services Association (ERSA). Reflecting on the importance of this day and every day, our director of Enable Works, Ashley, highlighted in a recent Herald article the importance of early intervention to transform job outcomes for young disabled people.  

She said:

In the UK, career planning for young disabled people often starts too late, typically in the final years of school, leaving many unprepared for the workforce.  

What’s more, the current generation of young people have, on average, the least work experience of any generation before them. The rise of automation, the impact of the pandemic, and reduced access to part-time work or placements have all contributed to this decline. For young disabled people, who already face additional barriers, this lack of experience adds to existing challenges reinforcing why early and meaningful interventions are vital. 

As of early 2025, the unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK has climbed to 14.2%, with nearly 620,000 young people out of work. Almost one million are now not in education, employment, or training, which is the highest figure since 2013. For young disabled people, the risks are even greater. Without urgent action, the UK’s stark and persistent 30% disability employment gap will only widen further. 

The solution? Earlier intervention. 

Through the Churchill Fellowship, I had the opportunity to explore best practice in the USA and Canada, two countries that prove starting young makes all the difference. 

In the USA, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) introduce career support as early as five years old. This early start helps young disabled children view a career as something that is not only their right but something they should be aspiring towards. The results speak for themselves: higher employment rates, better-paid roles, and a significant economic return. For every dollar invested in early transition planning, the return is an estimated five dollars. 

If the UK wants to bridge its employment gap, it must take inspiration from these international models. Waiting until the final years of education to act is not enough. We need a fundamental and systemic shift in approach. All disabled children should be supported to believe that a job is within reach. This means giving the same opportunities to explore, experience and aim high. 

Success doesn’t start at the school gates on the way out. If we’re serious about helping young people thrive, we need consistent, joined-up support long before they leave education. Too often, young disabled people face fragmented systems that simply don’t match the support their peers receive. Every disabled student deserves meaningful work experience, not just token placements in low-skilled roles. 

Scotland, and the UK as a whole, must foster ambition from an early age, no matter a child’s circumstances. Failing to act now means failing an entire generation. It also means missing a huge economic opportunity. The UK simply cannot afford to get this wrong.

Ashley Ryan is director of Enable Works, one of the largest employment support teams in the UK. Her team supports more than 7,000 people who have learning disabilities or barriers to work to develop their employment skills and achieve well paid, sustainable careers.