Services for Young People (SfYP) delivers the 'Local Supported Employment' programme to young people in Hertfordshire aged 18-25. The programme supports people with autism and/or learning disabilities to identify and secure paid employment using nationally recognised supported employment techniques, enabling them to thrive in the workplace.
On joining the programme Josh was allocated a dedicated SfYP Supported Employment Adviser, Tal. Together they discussed his interests and aspirations and created a vocational profile, identifying his goals and setting out a plan to achieve them. Josh is a very keen carpenter and is also interested in wildlife and sustainability, and recently won a ‘Pride of Stevenage’ award for making bug hotels and looking after a piece of land near his home. Tal reached out to some local employers and the Sustainability Officer at John O’Conner’s Grounds Maintenance Ltd, Peter, was keen to offer Josh a work experience placement at their headquarters in Welwyn.
As part of their Biodiversity Boost project, Peter had been planning to create large J, O and C letters, a metre or more high, which would be bug hotels and possible nesting sites. Tal suggested that Josh could design and make the bespoke letters as part of his work experience placement. The letters contain mini-habitats suitable for species already recorded on the company’s Welwyn site, such as cucumber spiders, lacewings, seven-spot ladybirds and solitary bees.
The programme enabled Josh to get hands-on experience of working with a commercial client. He learned how to communicate and collaborate in a professional way, making adjustments as the project evolved, and dealing with issues as they arose. The company was very pleased to have their letters created on time and within budget. The Managing Director, Matt, became aware of Josh’s involvement and was very supportive of the whole endeavour. He said:
"We are looking forward to seeing what Josh’s amazing letters attract. It is just marvellous to be able to work with local talent and help a young man with his aspirations. This is the type of project which encapsulates our philosophy here at John O’Conner – recognising that our success is based on the positive relationships we have with people. We look forward to potentially collaborating with Josh further on other projects. Fingers crossed and thank you, Josh."
Peter also had positive feedback, saying: "Josh is a reliable, creative and diligent young man, who listens and acts constructively to advice. Josh designed the letters carefully with an excellent eye for detail. He has been great company to collaborate with on this project."
Josh said: "I have liked the experience and it has taught me so many different lessons and helped understand my limits and what to do next time. I’d like to thank Tal for her guidance and Peter for the opportunity."
From the experience he gained on this and another work experience placement, Josh has decided he would like to become self-employed, and Tal will continue to support him to pursue this goal.
If you are an employer who would be interested in offering a local young person a work experience placement, or know a young person with SEND who would benefit from our support, find out more about SfYP’s Supported Employment programmes.
Local Supported Employment is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and is delivered by SfYP in conjunction with Step2Skills.
