Two Cardiff job seekers with Down’s Syndrome are gaining new skills and experience to help them gain employment.
Alex Williams and Gareth Murphy are spending time at Cardiff University’s School of Optometry and Visions Sciences as part of the WorkFit scheme.
WorkFit is the brainchild of The Down’s Syndrome Association designed to provide a tailored package of support to both employers and potential employees.
Under the programme, Alex and Gareth both spend one day a week working at Cardiff University’s Eye Clinic. Tasks include meeting and greeting patients, various administrative duties and supporting the general administration of the clinic.
The new link-up has been led by Cardiff University’s Dr Maggie Woodhouse.
“I attended a launch of the WorkFit scheme in Wales, hosted by the Down’s Syndrome Association. There were so many success stories being celebrated, and I realised that Cardiff University must be one of the largest employers in Wales, and would be ideal to provide employment for young people with Down’s syndrome,” according to Dr Maggie Woodhouse, who leads the scheme.
The programme is a tailored service dedicated to training employers about the Down’s Syndrome learning profile. It aims to find the right employment opportunities, for the right people. That process starts with meaningful work placement opportunities.
“The benefits of the programme are huge,” Dr Woodhouse insists.
“Many new parents of children with Down’s syndrome visit our clinic. At a time of their lives when they are coming to terms with the diagnosis and very anxious about what the future holds for their child, for them to meet a young person with the condition successfully employed and fully accepted into the workplace is simply wonderful,” she adds.
Whilst there is no guarantee of job at the end of the scheme, Dr Woodhouse is keen to continue to support the project and hopes, if it works effectively, it will lead to roll-out across Cardiff University.
Dr Woodhouse adds: “The young people provide role models for the older children who come to the clinic too. Hopefully seeing Alex and Gareth helps take away some of the anxieties they may have about getting their eyes tested.
”I hope we can continue to support the scheme and help job seekers like Alex and Gareth get the skills and experience they need to gain employment.”
Veronica Mulenga, Employment Development Manager at the Down’s Syndrome Association added: “Dr Maggie Woodhouse having been rightly recognised with an OBE for her services in supporting people with Down’s syndrome continues to lead the way.
“We hope that these two work experience placements are just the start of the WorkFit programme being involved across Cardiff University.”
