LEAVING education and stepping out into the big wide world is a scary prospect for any youngster.

For young people with learning difficulties, things are a lot more difficult.

Statistics show less than six per cent of adults with a learning disability are in paid work across the country.

However the fact is many more people with learning difficulties are not only willing, but want to work.

Market Field School and College is doing everything possible to change these statistics and offer its students real opportunities when leaving education.

The school, under the watchful eye of Gary Smith OBE, who has been at the school for 30 years, has designed its new college offering around preparing youngsters for life in the real world.

Market Field is working on bold new proposals to create Market Field Farm - a one-of-a-kind facility which will bridge the gap between students and work.

But why are these young people so often ignored in the world of work?

Naomi Andrews, project manager of the Market Field Farm project, said: "We find a lot of young people with learning difficulties have their aspirations dampened for some reason.

"That is something we do not encourage and from 13 and 14 we focus on what they really want to do.

"We have formed a very successful work experience programme which starts in year ten.

"As they grow older we intensify that work experience and by the time they are at college they can be out two or three days a week."

The work experience programme focuses on jobs in engineering, hospitality and catering, creative media and health and social care.

It is rapidly growing with 40 employers now signed up to take part including industry giants like Nandos.

Claire Skeggs, who runs the scheme, said: "Our Employability, Careers and Work Experience programme is unique in it’s design, and has been the catalyst for Market Field developing supported internships, traineeships and apprenticeships at our college site and for developing exciting new projects for our post 16 students.

"Since reintroducing our work experience programme in 2016, our students now have the opportunity to experience good quality placements enabling them to gain self-confidence, raising their aspirations and ability to learn essential new skills for the future."

For students like Ben Wood, 18, the programme has been absolutely life-changing.

His teachers and family have seen his work with Triden Engineering in Clacton make him flourish.

Unlike some other 18-year-olds going to work each week is not a chore to him, he grasps every opportunity with both hands.

Ben said: "I was a bit nervous at first because I wasn't sure where things were.

"It has helped me with my confidence and learning to adjust to a new environment.

"I feel much more confident about obtaining a job and getting myself out there now.

"It is a good learning platform for me because they have my best interests at heart and they suggest new ideas of how I can learn."

Of course having supportive employers on board is essential, and the school says Triden have been one of the best.

Staff have really taken Ben in as one of the team and he is creating a portfolio of work he can show to prospective employers in the future, something the firm has assisted with above and beyond.

Paul Coupland, machine shop manager at Triden, said: "When we first started to do it I was sceptical about how the student would fit in on the shop floor but Ben is one of the lads here now.

"He has come out of his shell and he is more outgoing.

"It was something completely different and a bit scary at first but I think it has been one of the most rewarding things we have done.

"It has certainly benefitted both parties."

Sadly not all companies are as willing to help, and the school has been knocked back by some big hitters who should be doing better.

Others, like Colchester Council, are working on ways to get involved.

Ms Andrews said: "I do not think some people within the companies are willing to stick their head above the parapet and they fall back constantly on the tried and tested.

"Getting work is something we all take for granted.

"It brings confidence, a social life, money, purpose and a sense of belonging. Everyone should have that.

"In places, people with learning difficulties are paying to work, which is ludicrous - we do not want that.

"The difference between full time work and education is massive and for a lot of students it is important to have a bridge in between where it is still supportive and understanding but working within a proper business."

This is where Market Field Farm comes in.

Plans are to create a series of micro businesses and as well as young people growing and selling their own produce, they'll look after animals, host farmers' markets and operate a cafe.

Gazette: A graphic of how Market Field Farm could lookA graphic of how Market Field Farm could look

Market Field also wants to create its own food brand and will run apprenticeship training schemes from the farm.

Most importantly though young people will be paid to work in an environment designed to help them develop and prepare for the big wide world.

Ms Andrews said: "It will be something for everybody and we want to instil the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.

"It is being set up as a social enterprise. It is not being funded by the local authority we are doing it ourselves.

"We have the business model together and it is viable."

The next step is to find a suitable site.

There have been a few disappointments, with the school's financial clout sadly not the same as other prospective buyers like housebuilders.

Four acre, easily accessible sites in north Essex are by no means easy to come by.

It is an ambitious scheme which requires an amount of work and planning which would daunt most commercial businesses, let alone a school.

But luckily staff are incredibly passionate about their students and can see the many benefits the scheme would bring.

Market Field is also being assisted by a group of businesses who are keen to help however they can.

Ms Andrews said: "If you doubt it for a moment then it won't work.

"There has been so many challenges and disappointments, but you brush yourself off and keep going.

"I am confident we will have the farm open by summer 2020."

If your business believes it can help with Market Field's work experience programme, contact Claire Skeggs on cskeggs@marketfield.onmicrosoft.com.

If you can help with the Market Field Farm project, contact Naomi Andrews on naomi@marketfield.essex.sch.uk.