New project helps young people with disabilities into work

A pilot scheme to help young people with learning disabilities get work experience and secure a job has been hailed a success.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council provided a grant of £30,000 to kick start the project, run in partnership with the Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge.

The scheme has seen 18 Tonbridge and Malling businesses get involved and provide opportunities for employment, volunteering or supported internships for nine locally based students.

Since launching last year, the project has provided work opportunities in a range of workplaces, including the NHS, hotels and facilities management. The placements provide the students with real world employment experience, increased confidence and independence.

Currently only 5% of people with a learning disability in the UK end up in full-time employment. By contrast, the figure is 26% for the most recent cohort of leavers to have progressed through The Oaks Specialist College.

A review of the first year of the scheme, funded from a proportion of business rates income the council is permitted to keep, featured a range of success stories. They include Ben (pictured) who had never worked before. After a period of gaining experience with facilities management company, Mitie, he was able to transition to a paid Level 2 apprenticeship. The college described it as a “life changing” experience for him.

Cllr Robin Betts, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said, “Many of us take securing a job for granted and will never experience the everyday challenges that come with having a learning disability. These young people have shown that given a chance and with the right support, they can make a valuable contribution to a range of businesses, gain independence and fulfil their true potential.

“I’d like to thank the Oaks Specialist College for the wonderful work it does and all the organisations that have made this scheme such a success. I’m very pleased we have been able to support getting the pilot scheme off the ground and look forward to hearing more inspiring stories of the many young people that the college helps.”

Jackie Thurtle, project lead at the Oaks Specialist College, said, “This funding has enabled an inspiring and talented group of young adults to show the world what they are capable of and find their place in their communities. It has allowed the time and expertise to be available to them and so develop and infuse employability skills and strategies to become more independent.

“The business partners within our Oaks family have not only embraced our learners and benefited greatly from the training but have also gained valuable employees. We are extremely grateful for the continued support that we receive from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, not only with the funding of this truly life changing project but also with their eagerness to embrace the importance of the work we do.”

Organisations which have supported the scheme include: American Golf, Feast, Demelza Hospice, Mitie, Porthaven Care Homes, Premier Inn, Runway Training, Sense, St Stephen’s Church, Summerhill School, The Oast Theatre, Tonbridge Methodist Church and Tonbridge Angels.