Work experience

Work experience can be difficult to find for people with learning disabilities which is why we are proud to have placements with over 30 local employers.

Jo works at a nursery, Janice (left) serves on a stall in Dorking, Michael meets and greets at Sainsbury’s and Jamie is a tour guide at Polesden Lacey National Trust property the same place where Sarah bakes scones for the cafe.

None of them ever thought they would succeed with work experience but they have. Some have even gone on to paid part-time work.

Our dedicated Work Experience Co ordinator, Mel Sheehan, helps people find the right placement and supports them all the way. Many people we support undergo travel training so that they can go to their placement by themself on public transport.

Pathway to confidence

Step-by-step we can help you move from more sheltered work experience in our cafes and our shops (or on our reception like Luke above) where you can get used to dealing with customers, handling money and answering the phone.

As you gain in experience, you could join one of our enterprise teams – Grange Creations fudge and Books Beyond Words order fulfilment service. 

“We have a thriving work experience programme involving over 30 employees in the local area.”
Mel Sheehan, Work Experience Co ordinator