Campaign to Help Young Disabled People into Work

Business Secretary Vince Cable claims a new government programme will help young disabled people into employment, through supported intern and training opportunities.

The Department for Education scheme is aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 24.  It’s goal is to help them gain confidence and skills in the workplace, with the intention of helping them secure jobs and apprenticeships.

Employer Support

Offered through further education colleges, the scheme will enable trainees to learn from expert coaches, whilst gaining experience in real jobs that are guaranteed for a period of at least six months.

Available from August, the programme will not only help those with disabilities but will work with employers to give them a better understanding of working with disabled people. The idea is to build confidence with potential employers and help them understand the importance and business sense of employing a diverse workforce.

Disability Conference

Speaking at the UK’s first National Disability Employment Conference, Mr. Cable said: “Disabled people have a lot to offer British businesses but often their potential is largely untapped.

“If their employment rate matched that of the rest of the population, an extra two million people would be working.  The Internship and Traineeship programme will help create a fairer society by putting young people with disabilities on meaningful career paths and give employers the opportunity to see what they can offer.”