Posted 14.01.2021

In his search for paid employment William Scott was supported by 3 of our service teams - TFS Education & Training, Job Match and Workable NI.

"I feel so lucky to have been supported by Training For Success (TFS), Job Match and now Workable NI on my journey from training to employment. I am enjoying my job. I would tell anyone considering their options to contact Disability Action for advice and support,” said William.

Sinead Boyd, Disability Action TFS Education & Training Officer, supports young disabled people to access and maintain their TFS training place. Sinead first met William at SRC Greenbank campus in his third year on TFS. At that point he was well through his Level 1 construction course and was starting to plan his next steps and looking to the future.

"His work placement in Greenbank as an assistant to the caretaker had given William a fantastic insight to the type of work he wanted to do," said Sinead. "William availed of one to one individual support twice a month to access reasonable adjustments for external examinations, to prepare and enhance his CV, and to start his job search.

Before his time on TFS came to an end William felt he would need some further support to help him find a job. At this point Sinead referred William to the Job Match team and he was introduced to Colin McElroy, Job Match Supported Employment Officer.

“I had great pleasure working with William both pre and post-lockdown. We worked tirelessly to find William his preferred job, despite the barriers faced with COVID-19 restrictions," said Colin. "Through discussion with Michael Moore, Job Match Employment Engagement Officer, we identified a supportive employer, OSC Cleaning, with a well-suited role for William."

Michael said “We are so pleased to have OCS Cleaning as a positive employer. My job involves engaging with local employers to help them find suitable candidates. The relationship I develop with employers enables discussion around reasonable adjustments, understanding the role available and the support available for both employers and Job Match participants.” 

In October William had a successful interview with OCS Cleaning and was offered a permanent post.

“William is now employed on a part-time basis with a view to increasing his working hours as he settles in," continues Colin. "After discussions with William, his parents and my Workable NI colleagues, he was successfully approved for Workable NI support. This made the transition process seamless and William is confident going forward that he has continued Workable NI support to sustain his employment.”

Sinead Kerton, Disability Action Workable NI Employment & Training Officer, is now working with William and OCS to provide support and guidance around reasonable adjustments under the Workable NI programme.

“These adjustments will be identified and tailored to William’s needs and will help him work efficiently and effectively in his new role," said Sinead. "William is new to the world of employment and with Workable NI support he will gain confidence in his job and all the aspects that go with being a paid member of staff.”

Mary Kirkpatrick, OCS Area Manager said: “William is a great worker and has covered various other sites for me when staff are on annual leave and I get great feedback from the sites regarding the super effort he puts in.”

Photo caption (above): William (left) with Colin McElroy, Job Match Supported Employment Officer.

Read more about Training & Learning Support - supporting TfS Trainees, Apprentices and Training providers

Read more about Job Match - helping disabled people to find paid work

Read more about Workable NI - supporting disabled people in the workplace