A pioneering apprenticeship scheme to help adults with learning disabilities find fulfilling jobs for the future has been launched by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Vision Products, the Councils’ award-winning business which produces PVCu windows and doors, and runs a unique community equipment service and telecare project has launched the scheme in conjunction with special schools throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Ysgol Hen Felin in Ystrad, Rhondda, has worked closely with Vision Products to develop a new apprenticeship scheme that will welcome six young adults with disabilities into the world of work.
Established to provide cost effective employment and development opportunities for people with disabilities, Vision Products has two main premises in Pontyclun and Newport, employing almost 140 members of staff. The six new apprentices will be based at the Pontyclun site in Coedcae Lane Industrial Estate.
This is the first innovative large-scale apprenticeship and training project of its kind for Vision Products and will commence in April 2012.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Performance, Human Resources & Housing Cllr Clayton Willis said: “Vision Products is an exemplar in its field and I’m always impressed by their incredible success story in not only providing employment opportunities for individuals who may otherwise not find long-term work, but also in their continued economic growth.
“The latest phase in their success story is both pioneering and inspiring in its approach. By working closely with Ysgol Hen Felin and providing first-class training opportunities, we hope to lead six initial apprentices on their journey to full-time employment by developing skills and confidence in their abilities.”
The six individuals, who visited Vision Products this week, will be employed on a part-time basis and if possible will include individuals to job share with a year-long contract. In conjunction with Elite Supported employment agency, Vision Products and Ysgol Hen Felin will provide peer support and mentoring to the group during their term of employment.
As part of the scheme the apprentices will also be offered the opportunity to undertake NVQ training.
On their visit to the Coedcae Lane site, the six apprentices and their parents or carers were all introduced to Simon Bould and Matthew Chick, both former Ysgol Hen Felin pupils who since joining Vision Products four years ago have flourished in their personal development, confidence and knowledge of their job roles.
The new apprentices will have the opportunity to gain experience in any of the different aspects of the company. This could include the Community Equipment Services that offers living aides such as walking frames, hoists, adapted furniture and more to hospitals, day centres, homes, schools and more.
Vision Products also boasts a Telecare independent living scheme that sees sensors installed in homes to monitor activity and enable people to live in their own homes for longer, knowing fire, smoke, temperature, flood, gas leaks and more are being monitored.
Finally the company has developed an award-winning UPVc windows and doors company that offers homes and businesses across the country high-quality windows and doors, complete with installation and a 10-year guarantee, at affordable prices.
Vision Products clients include eight local authorities, health trusts, Church in Wales and education bodies.
