New pilot scheme helps man with learning disabilities get his first job
Watch this report by ITV News Meridian's Sally Simmonds:
A young man with learning disabilities has managed to secure his first job with the help of an employment scheme in Hampshire.
The Minstead Trust, a charity which supports people who have learning disabilities, helped 22-year-old Bob Patterson from the New Forest with his search for work.
Government statistics show just six percent of adults with learning disabilities have a job, a figure that the charity is determined to improve.
Bob started doing work experience at a yard in Marchwood for Skansa, the firm has the Highways contract for Hampshire County Council. Under the guidance of Charlie Green, a Customer Liaison Manager, Bob has learned to put everything in order, ready for the Highways trucks to collect.
Last month Bob’s work experience transitioned to a paid role. He is one of the first candidates to secure a job from a pilot scheme called ‘Step Up for Work’, run by The Minstead Trust. The initiative will be introduced in Portsmouth this year. Those behind the New Forest based charity hope that firms in Hampshire and beyond, and other people who have learning disabilities willsee the benefit.