National Grid Hinckley launches pioneering scheme

helping our community

  • Young people with learning needs given work chances
  • National Grid leads the way in internship 
  • Students are an 'inspiration' to workers 

A pioneering National Grid scheme has been launched to help young people with learning needs and disabilities to find work.

Under "EmployAbility" six youngsters have been given internships at National Grid Hinckley in Leicestershire. 

The students are from the local Dorothy Goodman School in Hinckley and the Oak Wood Secondary School in Nuneaton. 

The innovative scheme was launched by Nick Winser, National Grid's executive director. 

He said: "After a very successful pilot scheme I'm delighted this project has now come to Hinckley. By providing supported internships for students with disabilities, including autism, we have already delivered some amazing results. The students have developed their confidence and disabilities beyond expectations.

"And our employees have, in turn, been inspired by the students' 'can do' attitude. We would encourage other business to follow suit – it can only bring benefits and transform the lives of our interns". 

Eighteen-year-old Matthew A’Hearne-Kehoe from the Dorothy Goodman School in Hinckley said: “I’m really looking forward to my work placement with National Grid. It will make me feel more confident and allow me to gain more experience so that I can get a job.”

National Grid is one of the few private UK companies with a programme to help students with learning disabilities to find employment and, hopefully, a productive life. 

The company has created a simple model for EmployAbility; a role is identified that an intern can fill. The intern then spends about three months doing that job while supported by a job coach. 

National Grid staff on its graduate scheme are also involved in the EmployAbility project to help develop their own skills. 

According to the the Department of Education a student with learning disabilities has only a seven-per-cent likelihood of finding paid work. 

This press release relates to Cadent work.  It does not have Cadent branding on it, due to this press release being published prior to 1st May 2017, when this gas distribution business was part of National Grid’s group of businesses.
 

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Rebecca Wright

rebecca.wright1@cadentgas.com

07899 983792