Employ My Ability

10/09/2026

📣Our next EMA OPEN DAYS take place in October! Students, parents, carers, and schools all welcome. We have lots to show you at both campuses and look forward to meeting you!

🗣”Our Open Days are the perfect opportunity to see what we offer first-hand, meet our staff, and take a tour of either campus to discover how we can support young people with SEND. You’ll be able to see our state-of-the-art training facilities in action and explore the different spaces we use to support our students in building their independence, skills and confidence.

If someone you know is planning their next steps this year or in 2027, we encourage you to book a guided tour today and discover how EMA can help them find the right pathway for their future." - Heather Helm, Head of Education

Gillingham Campus – Tuesday 6th October
📍Gillingham, Common Mead Lane, Dorset

Moreton Campus – Thursday 8th October
📍The Walled Garden Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset

Book your tour slot today.
☎01929 405685
📧 [email protected]

🌳What do our students say about EMA?

🗣 "EMA is a safe and friendly place full of nice people. There's a lot of support if you're struggling. It's amazing!" – Dylan, Student

🗣 "The atmosphere is nice, and it's very relaxed. I love baking and cooking. The staff help me a lot!" – Saffron, Gillingham student

🗣 “My work experience in the café has been good - I like getting to know customers, and trying lots of things never done. The training kitchen is also really great. All the staff are great too, and I'm very happy with how my first year has been!” – George, Student

🗣 “I looked at many colleges, but they didn’t seem to fit my characteristics and what I was looking for for the future. EMA just stood out – it was the perfect fit. It was everything I was looking for in a college. My timetable is nicely done, and I think the teachers here are really nice and friendly and they have kind voices!” – Charlotte, Student

05/09/2026

We are at Dorset County Show this weekend! Stop by to meet our staff, animals, and discover all the opportunities we offer at EMA for young people with SEND! We look forward to meeting you. 😃

02/09/2026

📣New term message from EMA’s Head of Education, Heather Helm:

“It’s been an exciting summer behind the scenes as we prepare to welcome back not only returning students and staff, but also new learners and new members of staff as our teams grow. We’ve been making improvements and adjustments at both sites as we continue to ensure the best possible learning experience for everyone who attends EMA.

At Gillingham, we are delighted to be welcoming even more learners this year, alongside new members of staff who bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team. With extensive development over the last 18 months, it has been wonderful to see the site continue to grow, and we are looking forward to building on the strong relationships, personalised support and opportunities that help our learners thrive.

At Moreton, we’re proud to confirm the addition of three new classrooms and a refurbished hospitality learning space alongside our main CTH training kitchen. This will create a dedicated link between the training space and The Dovecote Café, with students working alongside one of the café’s second chefs to provide cakes, scones and more for the visiting public.

The next few weeks will be spent supporting our learners every step of the way as they adjust to new timetables, try new learning experiences and, for those joining us for the first time, make new friends. Our staff are ready for what looks set to be our biggest year at EMA yet, and I feel privileged to play my part in ensuring everyone has what they need to make this the best place to find their future.

We will also be exhibiting at Dorset County Show this weekend, so if you’re attending and would like to find out more about what we do, this will be a brilliant opportunity to meet our staff, pick up a prospectus, and discover everything we offer to young people with SEND across Dorset.

Thank you for the continued support of all our parents, carers and employer partners – we’re so glad to be able to share the journeys of our young people with you. Have a brilliant September, everyone!”

14/08/2026

🗣"I've completed my supported internship and am excited to be moving into a job! The internship was very good, and I made some good friends too with the other interns. Working on the till in the hospital restaurant and serving people food was my favourite part. It's made my independence and confidence so much better. If I had to describe the internship in one word, it would be: Amazing" - Ryan

Beginning his EMA Supported Internship last September, Ryan took some time to find a role that truly matched his interests and aspirations. During his placement at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, he embraced the opportunity to try a variety of roles, including working alongside patients on the ward, eventually discovering that hospitality was the perfect fit for him in Damers Restaurant. Now, one year later, after completing his internship, Ryan recently applied for a job at Damers, and following a successful interview, he secured paid employment!

👏 Ryan’s journey is a fantastic example of how exploring different opportunities can help young people discover where they thrive. Ryan has been told by staff at Damers that "working with people comes naturally to him", and the hospitality environment has enabled him to flourish.

✅With the right support and encouragement, Ryan has achieved a positive and inspiring outcome that demonstrates the potential every young person has to succeed.

🌳Why wait? If you'd like to find out more about how EMA Supported Internships, or any of our study programmes can help young people in Dorset with SEND equip themselves for their future, please do get in touch! Whether you're looking for next steps right now, or next year, we'd love to hear from you.

28/07/2026

🎓Last week, EMA leavers from both our Moreton and Gillingham campuses came together with their fellow students, friends and family for our end of term BBQ and graduation day.🎉

This is always a wonderful way to wrap up the academic year as we celebrate the leavers and their amazing achievements, along with certificates, tributes, and awards for students, and staff across EMA.🏆

We spoke to leavers on the day and will share some of their parting messages soon, but for now, we just wanted to wish everyone another congratulations, and good luck as the leavers move on to their next steps, and a huge well done to our students and amazing EMA community - thank you for another brilliant year. 👏

21/07/2026

🌳Building a stronger future for Dorset!

ℹLed by Dorset Chamber, the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan sets out the next phase of work to strengthen Dorset’s skills system and support it to continue to respond to the needs of employers, learners and the wider economy.

🗣"The Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan rightly recognises that Dorset’s future prosperity depends on unlocking the potential of all its residents. Young people with SEND like those who attend EMA have enormous talents to offer employers when given the right support and opportunities. Through our specialist study programmes such as preparation for adulthood and support for employment, along with supported internships, we are committed to helping build a more inclusive workforce and a stronger Dorset for everyone" - James Dunham, Director of Education at EMA

20/07/2026

Our new trampolines are now in place at EMA in Gillingham! As we continue to develop our campus in North Dorset to meet the needs of all the young people who attend, the trampolines will enhance our sensory-based learning opportunities and provide another way for students to engage, explore and thrive.

“Everyone is so excited that the trampolines have been installed – students and staff alike! For many young people with SEND, using trampolines offers so much more than exercise. The rhythmic movement can support sensory regulation, improve balance and coordination, develop core strength, and provide a safe outlet for releasing energy and reducing anxiety. It’s also a brilliant confidence booster and encourages students to engage with physical activity in a way that feels enjoyable and accessible.”

To find out more about the facilities at our Gillingham campus, and how it has been designed to support young people with PMLD and SEND, please visit our website or get in touch. 😄

17/07/2026

👏 An incredible year for our young people on Supported Internships with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Amazing work from everyone!

We also want to extend a huge thank you to the staff at DCH for helping support and guide our interns every step of the way.

🤝 Partnerships like this create opportunities for young people to develop skills, build confidence and become work-ready alongside experienced professionals in the industry, enriching both their lives and our communities. We couldn't be more proud of everything they have achieved this year.

We recently celebrated the achievements of the seven students from Employ My Ability and Coastland College that took part in our Supported Internship Programme.

Over the last six months, our interns have embraced new challenges, developed valuable workplace skills, grown in confidence and become valued members of .

The progress they have made during this time has been incredible to see. They have demonstrated determination, resilience, professionalism and a willingness to learn, taking important steps towards future employment and greater independence.

We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved, and thank our teams that welcomed the interns, shared their knowledge, provided encouragement and created meaningful opportunities for them to learn, develop and succeed.

16/07/2026

✨ Where are they now? Former EMA student Keenan is setting up their own business! 💅

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do at EMA is seeing our students leave college with the confidence, independence and skills to find the futures they want, in their communities, in Dorset and beyond. For Keenan, that future is in the beauty industry, where he has turned a personal hobby into the beginnings of his own acrylic nail business - 'Set In Stone'

🗣"EMA motivated me to get out of bed and be proactive. It helped me become more independent and gave me the confidence to take the steps to get help and find out where I could go next. I was also supported to find the SAMEE charity so I could pursue my dream." - Keenan

🗣"If we look back to his transition visits to EMA, he was under an umbrella, hiding from the sun and not wanting to talk. Now Keenan will confidently speak to new people, clients, and has a motivation to keep him going. I am so proud of Keenan for all he continues to achieve and grateful we were able to help him find his way to his next steps." Shannon, EMA Careers Lead

✅Keenan's journey is a wonderful example of what can happen when a young person discovers a passion, and receives the right support. It's his combination of ambition, creativity and enthusiasm that will no doubt continue to drive Keenan as his business grows, and he hopes his story will encourage other students to make the most of the support available while they're at EMA, sharing a few words for anyone who is currently with us, or new students joining in September.

🗣"Don't be afraid to ask - everything is worth a shot while you have the help from EMA, which is excellent. Explore different ideas and see the options available. You can have someone help you look at those ideas without judgement."

🔗Read more from Keenan, and our staff who have supported him along the way, over on our website: https://employmyability.org.uk/keenan-starts-a-business/

| SAMEE 👏

10/07/2026

🍦Leaver's Day Out!😎 - With the academic year drawing to a close soon, we have a few bits to round-up and some celebrations ahead before we sign off for the summer in a couple of weeks. Last week, leavers from both our Moreton and Gillingham campuses came together and enjoyed a brilliant day out in Weymouth, visiting Rossi's Ice Cream, Weymouth, the local amusement arcade, and had lunch on the beach.

🗣"This has been one of our busiest years at EMA, with all our students working incredibly hard, and we wanted to make sure all the leavers from both campuses were given a chance to celebrate, reflect, and have fun together before we wrap up. Some are moving on to Supported Internships, some are exploring further education, and others are heading into paid employment. We are so proud of them all! Their graduation ceremony is still to come and we can't wait to see everyone in their gowns for one last celebration for them" - Emma, Admissions and Progression Coordinator at EMA

🎓A few students also shared their thoughts their time with EMA and their next steps.

🗣"The main thing I've enjoyed about EMA is the people, and all the social and community parts. When I first started I wasn't sure if I was going to fit in - I didn't know if EMA was right for my level, so I was happy and surprised to see I that they definitely were, and it's really been so great. Claire has helped me sharpen my skills in the kitchen too. I'm going to miss everyone, but this is a new chapter now and that's a good thing" - Jacob

🗣"I'm looking forward to what's next. I'm hoping to continue to become more confident, help young children with being creative, and maybe even go to an art college. Everyone has been so helpful to me, and I'm going to miss them all" - Sophie

🗣"It's not fully settled in that it's coming to an end but I've been opened up to so many opportunities at EMA. I've really never had this kind of support anywhere. It's really helped me to succeed. I will miss Max, Bridget, Holly, Kerry, Claire - and all the café staff. I hope to find some voluntary work soon as I figure out what to do next. It's an exciting time. " - Aaron