DWP and Employability Project Working Together

The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has become the first employer to work with The Percy Hedley Foundation's new Employability Project.

The Employability Project has a 2 year contract from the European Social Fund through the Tyne & Wear, Learning & Skills Council. Its' aim is to develop employability opportunities for disabled people and it will achieve this by organising work placements, work experience, visits and voluntary and paid employment opportunities for students and service users of the Percy Hedley Foundation.

Jane Wilson, a student at Northern Counties College, started her placement on Wednesday 14 February 2007. She attends DWP at Longbenton 1 day a week for a minimum of 6 weeks in the Information Services & Information Technology directorate.

Photo: Jane Wilson, at home in her new working environment.

Jane Wilson, at home in her new working environment.

The work experience is part of Jane's 2nd year curriculum at the college and she's having a great time so far. Jane commented: 'I am helping my team with their marketing plan and I have written an article for the in-house newsletter. I'm really enjoying my work placement and I look forward to a Wednesday very much.'

Paula Reid, Diversity Manager, highlighted why the DWP are so keen to work with this project: 'We are keen to further enhance our well established links with the wider community and recognise the skills and opportunities DWP can provide to employability placements and the skills students can bring to our directorate. We hope to support other businesses considering work placements by sharing our experiences and to offer more opportunities to students in the future'.

If you'd like more information on the Employability Project and how you too can get involved, please contact Ruth Woodfine on: 0191 281 7532, or if you prefer email: ruthwoodfine@percyhedley.org.uk.

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