1. MENCAP PATHWAY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE LLDD RESEARCH PROJECT Working in Transition LLDD RESEARCH PROJECT Working in Transition

2. Introduction Aims and Objectives of Research Project Initial contact with College Students Student Assessment In-House Training Work Experience Outcomes Research Project 6 Case Studies and Barriers to Employment Summary and Conclusions

3. Aims & Objectives Provide specialist training and development to students with learning disabilities / difficulties To work with 4 college students in transition Delivering In-House pre-work Training

4. Aims & Objectives Arrange Work Experience Placements Offer Job Coaching support throughout placement to help achieve and sustain work experience. Assist with the smooth transition from education into P/E / Further Education / Voluntary work /

5. Stage 1Initial contact Proposal meeting with college tutors. Programme to fit with timetable college activity Identification of 4 students with learning disabilities / difficulties. Initial Meeting with students / overview of programme. Info shared with parents and carers.

6. Stage 2Assessment Initial assessment Record of initial assessment / Tool Kit identifying essential skills strengths and weaknesses Baseline assessment of students existing skills and capabilities / extra support required Identified Travel Training requirements Adaptations / Equipment needed

7. Stage 3In-House Training Induction / Meet Mencap Pathway staff Health and Safety / Training and Workplace Confidence building / Existing Skills Communication Skills / Problem Solving Updating CV / I.T Skills Disability Awareness / Your rights / DDA Interview Techniques / Role Play

8. In- House Training cont. Job Search / Internet / Local Resources Small Groups of 4 1:1 Support Provided Contact made with Employer / Application Forms / CV / Cover Letter / Tel Call Informal Interview arranged

9. Work Experience Job Trainer Support at Interview Tour of working environment / meet staff members within their potential workplace Health and Safety / Risk Assessment / Disability Specific Job Specification and task requirements / Achievable Job goals Discuss Reasonable Adjustments

10. Work Experience Cont. Job Coach Support at Induction. Individual Learning Plan produced / Action plan to work towards Weekly meetings objective feedback on performance Student / Employer / Mencap Pathway Rep. Observation at Work Reports / ESfW Additional support implemented as and when required

11. Outcomes Students were expected to finish the programme at the end of February. Where students and employers felt it would be of benefit have been able to continue until end of July, which will assist the smooth transition from education into employment. This was the case with 3 out of 4 students

12. Outcomes of Students in Transition Student 1 has been offered ongoing work experience in retail and is working toward a F/t paid position when his college course finishes in July. Student 2 has been offered a continuation of work experience in Child Care which will enable her to access a college course. Long term this may promote her chances of paid employment within the Nursery she is attending

13. Outcomes of Students in Transition Student 3 has been offered ongoing work experience in an office admin environment and is working toward a paid position when his college course finishes in July. Student 4 has completed her work experience and will be continuing with an alternative programme with Mencap Pathway following the completion of her college course.

14. 6 Case Studies We looked at 6 people with Learning disabilities and there experiences after leaving college when seeking employment. The case studies highlighted some of the barriers to work that people with learning disabilities / difficulties face when seeking employment.

15. Identified Barriers to Employment Lack of Qualifications Training in Large Groups Benefit Dependency Low Self Esteem and Confidence Ever revolving door of learning No Work Experience

16. Gaps In Transition No seamless service in transition due to lack of funding Inappropriate provision Disabilities not recognised and therefore struggle in mainstream provision Lack of specialist support Limited partnership working

17. What Mencap Pathway can offer Assessment to identify and address individual needs Pre-Work Training and Development Programmes giving 1:1 Support in small groups Arrange Work Experience placements replacing usual recruitment process Job Trainers in the work and training environment (Support Mechanism) Assisting with Learning and sustaining Employment

18. Mencap Pathway cont Ongoing Support Equipment and/or Adaptations via ATW once in P/E ESfW (Essential Skills for work) Tracks through recognising and recording performance and achievements

19. Summary With Funding Specialist providers like Mencap Pathway can target students early whilst still in education. Mencap Pathway can bridge the gap between education and employment enabling students with Learning disability / difficulties to make this smooth transition and bypass the barriers and gaps to employment that we see so often.

20. Working in Partnership