Partner Article

Metrocentre launches pilot disability scheme

The Metrocentre has joined forces with the Percy Headley Foundation in a pilot scheme to help people with learning disabilities into the workplace.

The Metrocentre decided to take part in the Employability Development Project in January to offer disabled learners the opportunity to develop new skills.

Staff members from each organisation are nominated and encouraged to take part in extra projects such as work placements, mystery shopping, access audits and staff training.

Operations manager Gavin Prior said: “We were keen to get involved in the Employability Project.”“Its an ideal way for Metrocentre to offer opportunities to disabled learners and help them to develop mew skills. In addition we are also learning more about disability in the workplace and improving our services and awareness at the same time.”

Students from the Northern Counties College now working at the centre, dealing with day to day tasks on reception and in shopmobility.

During recent mystery shopping exercises, College learners were given real life scenarios to test the reactions of Customer Service staff towards young adults with disabilities and communication issues.

Ruth Woodfine, Employability Project Manager at the Percy Hedley Foundation commented: “This is the perfect example of a successful partnership and why the Employability project works so well.

“Employers are engaged with on their own terms and can get involved with projects when they feel like it and at time that best suit their business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .