Posted 14.05.2020

Job Shadow Day 2020 was to take place today 14 May across 15 European states. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the initiative has been postponed until next year. In 2019 Disability Action participated in the scheme - giving 26 TfS trainees and Job Match participants valuable work experience with NI Civil Service, Applegreen and Belfast City Council - and making employers aware of how disabled people can make a positive contribution to the work force. 

In 2019 TfS trainees - Charlie Magill and Michael McAllister spent a day at the Department for Communities. Charlie is still completing his level 2 Admin Course with People 1st Training Belfast and is on work experience 3 days per week. Michael completed his Training course and has now moved on to Level 3 further education course at a local college. Both gained a lot of knowledge, confidence and guidance from Job Shadow day!

 

In 2019 Jonathan Campbell joined the EU Area-Based Schemes Division Business Support Branch (BSB) team in Cookstown. Jonathan found the opportunity very informative and particularly enjoyed learning about the administrative aspect of work in the NI Civil Service. The team in BSB agree it was a very worthwhile experience for them and encourage other business areas to get on board with the initiative in future years. Jonathan has progressed from Job Match to Youthscape in Dungannon South West College.  Both Jonathan and his tutor report that he is really enjoying this programme and is well suited to him.

Amy McSorley spent the day in 2019 with Applegreen, Lisburn. Since then Amy has progressed from Job Match to Youthscape in Omagh South West College and once she completed this she began her Level 1 Hairdressing.  Amy has always wanted to pursue a career in Hair and Beauty so this is helping her achieve her future goals. Since Job Shadow Day 2019 Disability Action have continued to develop an excellent relationship with Applegreen. 

Job Shadow Day aims to give disabled people and people from disadvantaged situations the unique opportunity to get a close up look at the world of work to discover and learn about the skills required to compete and succeed in the work place. It brings job seekers and local employers together to highlight the valuable contribution people with disabilities can, and do make in the workplace.

Note: Photos were taken during Job Shadow Day 2019 before social distancing restrictions were in place.