| NEW PATHWAY WORK PREPARATION PROGRAMME DELIVERED IN NEWRY |
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USEL (Ulster Supported Employment Limited) is pleased to announce its delivery of the Pathway Work Preparation Programme in conjunction with Newry Jobs and Benefits Office.
The programme, aimed at individuals with a disability or health related condition, offers participants an opportunity to learn the skills necessary for employment via a 2-week period of classroom-style training followed by a work experience placement within an industry/sector of their choice. Throughout this time, participants are supported by both USEL’s Employment Services Officers and by Pathways Personal Advisors or Disablement Employment Advisor at the Jobs and Benefits Office.
USEL delivers the Pathway Work Preparation Programme in various locations throughout Northern Ireland, including Newry, Lurgan, Ballymoney, Magherafelt and Enniskillen, and was sole deliverer of Work Preparation when it was piloted in Ballymoney, Magherafelt and Lurgan in 2005.
Almost 150 individuals have participated in USEL’s programme to date across all of its delivery locations, gaining work experience in a wide range of sectors, including retail, manufacturing and hospitality. Many participants have progressed into employment with their placement provider or transferred on to alternative employment support programmes offered by the organisation.
Deborah Truesdale, Employment Services Officer for the Newry area, is delighted to be involved in the programme. She says, “The Pathway Work Preparation Programme is an essential support programme for individuals who have been away from the workplace for a while, or who have found difficulty in getting the work experience they need to get a job in the type of organisation or sector of their choice. The duration of the programme enables participants to gain a good insight into the job. This allows them an opportunity to experience structure and routine in their lives along with giving participants a chance to rebuild their confidence and to become part of a working environment. On completion of the programme I can help participants move on to alternative employment support programmes where relevant”.
Kevin Dorans, who recently successfully completed the programme, agrees. “I found the Work Preparation Programme to be of great benefit to me in getting an opportunity to return to work again. My confidence has grown and as a result I have found part-time employment which allows me the opportunity to explore my career options before returning to full-time employment”.
If you are interested in participating in the Pathway Work Preparation Programme, or would like some additional information, please contact Deborah Truesdale on 028 3835 0202 or email her at dtruesdale@usel.co.uk.
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| G Mills |
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