People with additional educational needs are benefiting from better employment prospects in Tameside thanks to a partnership between the local council and the NHS.
As part of the Pathways to Employment scheme, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council work with those eligible to match their skillsets with opportunities in the local area.
The idea behind the initiative is to challenge the traditional recruitment process and encourage those with disabilities to apply for roles they might not otherwise – following dedicated support and guidance.
One of the best examples of the programme in action comes from Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, where Daniel Penkett, 32, found a job as a catering assistant earlier this year.
The trust highlighted Penkett’s work ethic and punctuality as reasons why they made his temporary contract permanent. He is one of five employees who have benefited from the partnership at the trust.
The trust’s catering manager, Jamie Beaumont, explained: “Giving Daniel one-to-one assistance with things like his mandatory training has allowed him to focus on his job, which he has excelled in. He is incredibly reliable, always happy to learn new jobs and has become a valued part of the catering department.
“The recruitment process was different to the traditional methods but has been a massive success and one we will continue to look at going forward.”
Amanda Bromley, trust director of people and organisational development, added: “We pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and this is just one of the many ways we are supporting colleagues with additional needs.
“Inclusion and equality of opportunity is central to everything we do, and allows us to build a workforce that is truly representative of the local community that we serve.”
Image credit: iStock
