Ace@Optalis

Develop your workplace skills and increase your confidence with support to transition from college into sustained, paid employment.

Supported Employment Enquiry Form

Ace@Optalis is a groundbreaking supported employment course delivered by Optalis Supported Employment Service for Reading College since 2014.

The Ace@Optalis course is designed to support learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The course develops workplace skills, increases your confidence and supports the transition from college into sustained paid employment.

Optalis Supported Employment Service (SES) has over 20 years’ experience coaching and enabling people with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.

"I have found the contact between staff and parents has been invaluable, transparent and much appreciated."

SES work to the Supported Employment Model and specialise in providing Individual Placement and Support (IPS).

We support students to progress into the world of work with advice, guidance and support. We offer:

Specialist Support to job match students to the right employment opportunities.
Specialist job coaching to empower students to learn job roles and become independent at work.
Expert Employer liaison and guidance with reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
Support to maximise the potential of each student, ensuring they are in the right role with the right support to succeed.

Ace@Optalis students describe how they have found a job thanks to this fabulous course

You can view the videos here or click below to see some of our customers talking about the Ace@Optalis course.

Matthew shared an update on his experience as an ACE student.

With support from his job coach, he’s been developing his interview skills and confidence when applying for roles. Hear more from Matthew in the video.

Luke talked us through his ACE journey, including how he secured a job at a local bakery.

From interview preparation to trial shifts, he’s worked through each stage with support from job coaches.

Hannah shared her experience of ACE and her placement in a hospital café.

Her role includes serving customers, preparing food and keeping the space running smoothly. Her progress shows how practical experience and guidance go hand in hand. Watch Hannah’s story.

Working for Supported Employment Service

Josh is our fantastic Transition Team Lead who works with partner agencies on behalf of young people with learning disabilities who are leaving school, and wish to find employment.

Celebrating another successful year of ACE at Optalis Supported Employment

We’re proud to have celebrated another successful year of the ACE at Optalis Supported Employment Programme, delivered in partnership with Activate Learning.

View the full story