21 Dec 2015
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Internship scheme boosts work skills for young people with additional needs
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National Grid urges other businesses to take part
A scheme involving youngsters from special needs schools in Hinckley and Nuneaton has scooped a national award.
'EmployAbility - Let's work together', is a supported internship scheme based on partnerships between schools including Hinckley's Dorothy Goodman School and Nuneaton's Oak Wood School and Hinckley employer National Grid. It beat off competition from companies across the UK to be named Community Initiative of the year at the prestigious Utility Week awards.
Now National Grid are hoping to use the success to encourage other businesses to take part.
Dave Tilley, who leads the scheme at Hinckley on behalf of National Grid, said: 'We're incredibly proud to win this award. In the two years 'EmployAbility - Let's Work Together' has been running across Hinckley and our other sites we've been able to improve the work skills of more than 50 young people who might otherwise have not been given a chance. Some of them have gone on to get permanent roles.
'However, that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more capable young people who are unlikely to find jobs because the way companies traditionally recruit puts them at a disadvantage because of their disability. We're looking for more local companies, big or small, to come on board. We can provide support to these companies, show them how the scheme works and they'll soon realise the value these interns can bring to their business.'
Janet Thompson, Headteacher of Dorothy Goodman School, Hinckley, said: 'We are incredibly proud of our involvement with National Grid's Employability Scheme and are thrilled to see it has been recognised with this national award . Employability has given our students a fantastic opportunity, we have seen their confidence, self-esteem and sense of achievement grow daily.
'National Grid and the job coaches thoroughly deserve to be awarded for the support and dedication they have shown the interns and we hope that other businesses see the worth in giving young people with additional needs a chance to shine in the work place'
The scheme works by giving interns from the schools experience working in a number of roles. Job Coaches from the schools work with the business to learn the roles, then support the students to do the work, before gradually stepping back and letting the interns do the job for themselves.
The hope is that eventually the interns can get a permanent role with the company, but if that's not possible they will have gained a wealth of works skills and personal confidence that boosts their job prospects.
Companies interested in finding out more about EmployAbility or see it in action should call Rebecca Watson at National Grid on 01926 655256 or email [email protected]
Photocaption: pictured front centre - graduate intern Megan Moran proudly holds the award, flanked by National Grid's Dave Tilley and Sophie Woolham, and surrounded by new Employability interns, graduate interns from last year's scheme who are now working at National Grid's Hinckley site and job coaches Gail Thompson and Louise Green