National Institute of Adult Continuing Education
www.niace.org.uk
Press Release
29 April 2010
PR75d/10
PROJECT HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE INTO JOBS WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Energy2work, a unique project in Wiltshire, has been set up to give disabled people skills to meet shortages in local industry and has led to impressed employers snatching them up for full-time jobs. The group’s dedication and commitment to learning is being recognised with a National Opening Doors Award – sponsored by the European Social Fund (ESF) - as part of Adult Learners’ Week 15 - 21 May 2010.
Energy2work operates as a local authority-backed staffing agency in horticulture, retail, food, biofuel and recycling industries, offering soft skills training, the Edexcel Workskills Working in a Team award and eight weeks tailored work experience to an initial 45 people. “It gives them a challenging programme that takes them outside their comfort zones, said Ann King, the ESF project manager. “Most had no interests or friends outside the family before this.”
“Feedback from employers showed their surprise at the level of engagement and communication skills of the learners, compared with other work experience placements they had supported,” she said. So far 11 people have qualified and the first four, including someone with Asperger’s syndrome, moved swiftly into jobs.
Employers attend training sessions to see how to get the best out of disabled employees. The learners also have a weekly job club to help improve their employment prospects. “Energy2work engages with learners constantly through social networking sites such as Facebook and texting. Most will move into employment of their choice, identified through Information, Advice and Guidance sessions and the Energy2work employment team”, said Ann King.
Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said, “The incredible stories of all our Adult Learners’ Week award winners show just what can be achieved in life through determination, imagination and ambition. Energy2work, like all of this year’s award winners, is proof of how learning can absolutely transform lives, often leading to new jobs and careers; and helping people to cope, or even overcome, the many challenges that they face. Hopefully millions of adults across the country will be inspired by Energy2work’s story to take up learning and discover for themselves a whole new raft of opportunities.”
Ends
For more information about Energy2work, contact: Kevin Burchall on 01793 463105 or kburchall@swindon.gov.uk
For further information on Adult Learners’ Week please contact:
Ed Melia, NIACE Head of Media, on 0116 204 4248 or 07795 358 870.
Marie Koupparis, NIACE Press Officer on 0116 204 4279 or 07824 481 499 or email: marie.koupparis@niace.org.uk