- Internship scheme boosts work skills for young people with additional needs
- National Grid urges other businesses to take part
A scheme involving youngsters from special needs schools in Hinckley and Nuneaton has scooped a national award.
“EmployAbility – Let’s work together”, is a supported internship scheme based on partnerships between schools including Hinckley’s Dorothy Goodman School and Nuneaton’s Oak Wood School and Hinckley employer National Grid. It beat off competition from companies across the UK to be named Community Initiative of the year at the prestigious Utility Week awards.
Now National Grid are hoping to use the success to encourage other businesses to take part.
Dave Tilley, who leads the scheme at Hinckley on behalf of National Grid, said: “We’re incredibly proud to win this award. In the two years “EmployAbility – Let’s Work Together” has been running across Hinckley and our other sites we’ve been able to improve the work skills of more than 50 young people who might otherwise have not been given a chance. Some of them have gone on to get permanent roles.
“However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more capable young people who are unlikely to find jobs because the way companies traditionally recruit puts them at a disadvantage because of their disability. We’re looking for more local companies, big or small, to come on board. We can provide support to these companies, show them how the scheme works and they’ll soon realise the value these interns can bring to their business.”
Janet Thompson, Headteacher of Dorothy Goodman School, Hinckley, said: “We are incredibly proud of our involvement with National Grid’s Employability Scheme and are thrilled to see it has been recognised with this national award . Employability has given our students a fantastic opportunity, we have seen their confidence, self-esteem and sense of achievement grow daily.
"National Grid and the job coaches thoroughly deserve to be awarded for the support and dedication they have shown the interns and we hope that other businesses see the worth in giving young people with additional needs a chance to shine in the work place”
The scheme works by giving interns from the schools experience working in a number of roles. Job Coaches from the schools work with the business to learn the roles, then support the students to do the work, before gradually stepping back and letting the interns do the job for themselves.
The hope is that eventually the interns can get a permanent role with the company, but if that’s not possible they will have gained a wealth of works skills and personal confidence that boosts their job prospects.
Companies interested in finding out more about EmployAbility or see it in action should call Rebecca Watson at National Grid on 01926 655256 or email Rebecca.Watson@nationalgrid.com
Notes to editors - archive
National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world and was named Responsible Business of the Year 2014 by Business in the Community. This accolade acknowledges all of our efforts in getting involve with the things that really matter to us and to society. We own and manage the grids that connect people to the energy they need, from whatever the source. In Britain and the north-eastern states of the US we run systems that deliver gas and electricity to millions of people, businesses and communities.
In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country. In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.
National Grid in the UK:
- We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
- We own and operate the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
- Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 10.9 million homes and businesses
- We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
- National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored).
- Our portfolio of other businesses is mainly concerned with infrastructure provision and related services where we can exploit our core skills and assets to create value. These businesses operate in areas such as Metering, Grain LNG Import, Interconnectors and Property. National Grid Carbon Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Grid. It undertakes Carbon Capture Storage related activities on behalf of National Grid.
Find out more about the energy challenge and how National Grid is helping find solutions to some of the challenges we face at www.nationalgridconnecting.com
National Grid undertakes no obligation to update any of the information contained in this release, which speaks only as at the date of this release, unless required by law or regulation.