As part of Learning Disability Action Week (17-23 June 2024) we’re sharing stories of how people have been helped into work.
Bury Employment Support and Training (Bury EST) gives advice, support and practical assistance to disadvantaged and disabled customers to get jobs into employment, and meaningful activities such as independent living, independent travel, and life skills.
It’s based at The Lodge House in Manchester Road Park, Bury and home to The Welly Community Café, and also works with employers, individuals and organisations to create a socially inclusive and diverse workforce.
The Welly Community Café involves customers engaging in horticultural activities, managing and maintaining the bowling green and putting green, litter picking, weeding and taking bookings for the bowling green.
Joel’s ideal job in a toy shop
Joel, a young man with autism, has been able to get a dream job thanks to the support of Bury Employment Support and Training (Bury EST).
It was while getting to know Joel that a member of the team noticed he had excellent knowledge around action figures and that one of his hobbies was Lego creation.
Joel has attended Bury EST for life skills training and employability, and has tried various work placements. Although he said he had enjoyed them he did not feel fulfilled within some of the roles. He has fantastic customer skills and his organisational skills are exceptional, and always gives of his best.
Joel was given an 8-week placement at Smyths Toy store and became a valued member of the team. He was given specific roles using his organisational skills such as price tagging, shelf stocking and arranging deliveries and spent time on the shop floor.
After his placement was finished the manager of the store was so impressed that she created a seasonal job for him using his skills. Joel was ecstatic.
With the help of his Bury EST placement officer he was given a working interview and went through the Induction process.
Joel has received fantastic feedback from customers visiting the store and is super proud of his achievements.
Staff have even commented that they know which aisle Joel had price tagged because it is so organised and perfect.
The seasonal post has now come to an end and Joel is currently looking for part time employment within a retail or café setting.
To read more about people who have been helped by Bury Employment Support and Training and further information about the service go to https://www.bury.gov.uk/jobs-and-skills/bury-employment-support-and-training
Bury College Supported Internships
For many years Bury College and Bury Council have worked together, through the Supported Internship scheme which has led to young people with learning disabilities into meaningful opportunities.
The council’s Catering Services have over the years provided work placements which have led to sustained paid employment.
Recently two students have gotten jobs in school kitchens with another prospective student due to start a work trial soon.
Working together with the council provides students the real-life employability skills, increase independence, and builds on their social skills.
They can find out what they like and where their skills lie, before joining the workforce.
Students learn about employers’ expectations and how to behave in the workplace. Staff also have the opportunity to develop their mentoring skills and demonstrate being disability confident.