Work Experience Training

The Grange offers training in Work Skills in Horticulture and Creative Textiles. It offers supervised on-site work experience in areas such as retailing, catering, reception and visitor care. The structured day with an adult work ethic means that the expectations of a workplace environment, such as punctuality and teamwork, are established. Individuals, therefore, begin external work experience placements with a significant degree of preparation and the confidence to go with it.

We encourage attendance at College Courses which provide further opportunities for work related training. Many people currently attend courses at local colleges. Joining external courses enables people to build new relationships and interact with a different social group. Taking responsibility for travel arrangements and using public transport develops independence.

Voluntary Work Experience

This provides valuable learning opportunities for adults with disabilities, sometimes becoming the stepping stone to paid employment.

The aims are to:

• Increase opportunities for paid employment by providing specific job related training.
• Enable individuals to make a valuable contribution to the community through productive voluntary work.
• Enhance self-confidence and personal fulfilment.
• Achieve progress towards independent living.
• Enrich lives by providing choice, variety and rewarding experiences.
  

Paid Employment

The enthusiasm and commitment of those attending work experience placements is a clear indication of their value. In recent years twelve people have achieved paid jobs in the locality with a supermarket, a garden centre and the Royal British Legion.

The Work Experience Co-ordinator researches, establishes and develops links with potential employers and provides on-going support. The process includes:

• An initial visit to the employer to assess the working environment and to discuss a potential placement.
• Supporting the trainee with CV preparation and interviewing skills on a one-to-one basis.
• Monitoring the placement with regular discussions with the trainee and contacts with the employer.

Work experience placements have included a primary school, a nursery school, charity shops, a sportswear company, a supermarket, a DIY store and a vineyard. All of these provide interesting, stimulating work in the community.

The Grange also offers on-site work experience opportunities in catering, showing visitors around and basic office skills. If you would like to discuss this training with us (you do not have to be living at The Grange) or your organisation can provide opportunities for adults with disabilities please get in touch. For further details please contact Catherine Hounsell, Work Experience Co-ordinator

Tel: 01372 452608
Fax: 01372 451959
Email: catherine.hounsell@grangecentre.org.uk

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