New Deal
DISC delivers the New Deal Voluntary Sector Option which is a Work Based learning programme to people over the age of 18. The programme offers 13 week hands on work experience in a chosen voluntary placement to enable a person to gain practical skills and experience to move into employment. The programme also provides Jobsearch and soft skills enhancement as part of a tailored individual learning and development plan.
Referral Criteria:
- Young people aged 18 – 24
- Unemployed for 6 months or more
- Lone parent
- New Deal claimants
Joanne is a lone parent who was interested in doing some counseling work, as she was already a volunteer mentor. She was interviewed by us but unfortunately there was not a placement in mentoring available. We approached Joanne and asked her if she would like some support work at First Step, a drug rehab centre. Joanne welcomed the idea but her main concern was care for her young son.
After negotiation she was able to find suitable childcare and started working at First Step on her option with Newdeal where she enjoyed the challenge and learning new skills. She was shadowing staff and Joanne loved the job so much she was working longer hours and changing her times to suit the organisation. She soon settled in to the team at First Step and was escorting residents to appointments and setting up new files. The manager was extremely pleased with Joanne’s progress and how she used her initiative in difficult situations to assist clients to move forward. Joanne enjoyed this type of work and her interaction with the clients and now felt that this was the job for her. For the first time in quite a while she felt valued and was really making a difference. First Step were so impressed with Joanne’s work after only four weeks that they started making in roads to employ Joanne part time. They found Joanne was reliable, flexible, professional and enthusiastic. Joanne was determined to take a minimum of 16 hours so she could organise her finances. Joanne secured a job at First Step working a minimum of 16 hours after discussions with her advisor. However, there was so much work to do Joanne found that she was working 30 plus hours a week and has become a valued member of the team.
Contact
Phoenix House, Central Avenue, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5QH
Tel: 01325 313 888
Fax: 01325 307 810