By Mencap
Starting your first job is a rite of passage for many young people. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, grow confidence, and practice handling responsibility Responsibility is managing or being in charge of something. . However, for young people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. , getting that foot in the door is often many times harder. In the UK, only around 5.1% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work. While 86% of those who are not currently employed, would like the chance to have a job.
The Mencap Training Academy is working to change the jobs landscape, by proving to employers that young people with a learning disability are just as hard working, talented, and reliable as anyone else. By partnering with employers, Mencap Training Academy provides supported internships A work placement for young people with additional needs, where they get support from a job coach. , where learners get the chance to practice important employability skills. Through a combination of classroom learning and practical workplace experiences, the Mencap Training Academy helps young people with a learning disability build the skills and confidence that they will need in the job market.
One of the employers paving the way to a more inclusive hiring environment is Fair Shot Café. Based in Covent Garden, Fair Shot are a social enterprise that partners with charities like Mencap.
Learning new skills and meeting people
The supported internships give young people with a learning disability their first shot at experiencing real work, making and serving delicious coffee and sandwiches for paying customers.
The interns supported by a skills coach and the wider café team. There are also adjustments in place such as a quiet area for retreating to if a learner becomes overstimulated or stressed.
Zaki, an intern at Fair Shot, says:
“I have been learning a lot about life skills, like how to travel from one place to another. I’ve been learning how to plan a route to help me get somewhere. I’ve also been learning maths and English and working towards my maths and English targets. The sessions have really helped me to grow and to become independent.”
These internships are proven to be effective, 68% of learners secured paid work after completing the programme. This all adds to the evidence that young people with a learning disability want the same things as anyone else their age and deserve the same opportunities to achieve their dreams.
Shekinah talks about her supported internship at Fair Shot café
Find out what it's like to do a supported internship at Fair Shot cafe through the Mencap Training Academy by watching our short video.
More employers should look to hire people with a learning disability, as a step towards equity and inclusivity. These supported internships are a proven and practical way to open the door.
If you are interested in learning more about the Mencap Training Academy you can visit their website.
If you are an employer, or know one who might be interested in hiring people with a learning disability, direct them to our resources for employers page.
Natalie Duo