> Project Case Study
Harlow College - Pathways To Work, Category 1
Acclaimed by Ofsted as a ‘key strength of the college’ the Pathways to Work project gets people with severe learning difficulties into employment.
ESF funding has enabled Harlow College to deliver a classroom based workskills programme and, in partnership with Mencap, support beneficiaries through a variety of work placements, voluntary work or paid employment. They have forged links with local employers ensuring opportunities for the students as well as educating employers of the benefits, and dispelling the myths, of the target group. The programme has worked with 38 people of which 15 have moved into employment and 27 have gained or worked towards a qualification.
People who are perfectly capable of holding down a job and sustaining themselves have been institutionalised and brought up in a way where they thought they could never work.’ Debbie Sheridan, Funding Development Manager, Harlow College.
‘Securing ESF funding was core to the overall success and stability of the scheme’ Robin Motteram, Mencap.
Students have found the course and its support liberating, after securing employment at a local retail outlet one student commented “I have always wanted to work here, this is the answer to all my dreams”. Another commented “I like talking to people, I get paid and enjoy spending my money on clothes and CD’s”.
When Jason first joined the project he was painfully shy and hard to engage, with support he progressed through several supported work placements and began paid employment steadily increasing his hours as his confidence grew.
Jason now works full time, no longer claims benefits and has progressed beyond the point of needing support. Whilst on the programme Jason gained an NVQ Level 1 in Preparing and Serving Food, an EdExcel full certificate in Skills for Working Life at Entry Level 2 and won a student award for outstanding achievement.
