Duo’s hard work pays off
HOSPITALS TRUST GIVES THEM BOTH PERMANENT JOBS FOR THEIR PANDEMIC EFFORTS
TWO young men with learning disabilities have been given permanent jobs with Nottingham University Hospitals Trust after their hard work during the pandemic.
Harry Ancliffe and Reece Wood, both from Hucknall, took part in an internship scheme called Project Search when the pandemic hit. The scheme is jointly run by Nottinghamshire County Council’s i-work employment team, the trust and Foxwood Academy. Students receive support with all aspects of employment, including travel, recruitment, right to work documentation, applications and interviews and on-thejob support.
Their placement looked in doubt when the first lockdown began in March las year, but the council negotiated for Harry and Reece to be employed as agency staff.
And they impressed their boss so
much that they have both now been taken on as permanent full-time members of staff.
Reece, 19, said: “Someone worked with me to learn the jobs and taught me what to do. I found that helpful. I had training to get the bus.
“It’s good to get paid. Working makes me feel good about myself.
“I felt happy about the job. I find the work easy. I like talking to my friends, getting out and meeting people.”
Harry, 19, said: “I feel so happy getting this job. I feel more independent. The support I’ve received has made a huge difference. It’s important to try your best, no matter how hard. It’s important to keep your manager happy.”
David Argyle, logistics manager for City Campus, is Harry and Reece’s manager. He said: “They’re doing an absolutely fantastic job.
“They’ve really come out of their shell. I believe in giving people the chance to experience the job and gain confidence. Just because someone has a disability, I don’t believe they should be treated any differently. Project Search is a great scheme.”
Sue Batty, service director at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that these two young men have achieved paid employment through hard work and dedication.
“This achievement is even more impressive at a time when so many others have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.
“We are committed as a council to supporting people with disabilities into paid employment and I would like to thank our i-work team, Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Foxwood Academy for making this opportunity possible for Harry, Reece and so many others.”
Reece’s mum, Lorraine Wood, said: “It’s brilliant what they’ve done for him. If there was no Project Search, he would have probably gone into respite care.
“I would recommend Project Search to any young person with similar needs. They’re absolutely fabulous.”
Since Project Search began in 2012, 38 people have been involved in the programme and 25 of them went on to be offered paid employment.
Find out more about employment support for adults with disabilities at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/jobsand-working/support-to-findemployment/employment-supportdisability