What is Vocational Profiling?
Vocational profiling is a process that helps young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) identify their skills, interests, and aspirations for work.
It’s a person-centred approach designed to build a clear picture of what kind of job or career might suit you best.
Why is it important?
- Helps you understand your strengths and areas for development.
- Supports planning for employment, training, or volunteering.
- Ensures any job or work experience matches your abilities and preferences.
- Provides employers with useful information to make reasonable adjustments.
What does a Vocational Profile include?
- Personal details – name, age, contact information.
- Skills and abilities – what you’re good at and enjoy doing.
- Interests and hobbies – activities you like that could link to work.
- Work preferences – type of job, hours, location, environment.
- Support needs – adjustments or assistance required in the workplace.
- Goals and aspirations – short-term and long-term career aims
How is it used?
- Shared with careers advisers, job coaches, and employers.
- Helps plan supported internships, apprenticeships, or work experience.
- Forms part of your Preparing for Adulthood pathway.
Useful resources
The NDTi website has lots of useful resources, including a vocational profiling template and a video explaining more about vocational profiling.
Next steps
If you’d like to create a vocational profile, speak to your school or college careers adviser or your keyworker. They can guide you through the process and make sure your profile reflects your strengths and ambitions.
For young adults that are no longer at school or college, contact the Disability Employment Service for employment support, including vocational profiling.