Supported training placements scheme rolled out

A pilot scheme that offers paid work placements to disabled residents to help improve their long-term employment prospects has now been rolled out across Shropshire County Council, and could soon be adopted by all of the county’s district and borough councils.

The scheme was launched in July 2007 and offered 12-month training placements in the county council’s learning and culture division. It aims to help trainees gain valuable work experience and increase their chances of finding a permanent job.

Following the success of the pilot, senior managers across the county council are now working to identify opportunities within their teams. Bridgnorth District Council and Oswestry Borough Council have also adopted the scheme and it is hoped that the other councils will do so shortly.

A report presented to this week’s meeting of the county council’s Corporate Support Services scrutiny panel (on Wednesday 16 April) showed that eight placements have been identified so far within the county council. Three have now been filled and work is ongoing to fill the rest.

At the end of each placement the post will be externally advertised and the trainee will be able to apply to fill the role on a permanent basis.

An evaluation of the scheme will take place in December 2008 and a further report presented to councillors.

Councillor Phil Box, Chairman of the Corporate Support Services scrutiny panel, said: “I was pleased to hear about the success of this scheme, which offers people with disabilities the chance to gain valuable work experience, employment skills and self-confidence. I hope that more training placements will be identified and filled in the months ahead, and look forward to receiving a further update later this year.”

17 April 2008