Luke enrolled at Hedleys College back in September 2014 on a two-year specialist Vocational Programme progressing to a Hedleys Supported Internship.This programme is primarily based at an employer’s premises, intended to enable young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to achieve sustainable, paid employment by learning in the workplace.
Since September 2016, Luke, who is 22, has attended college two days per week developing a range of transferable functional and independence skills. His work placement at the Oxford Centre Café in Newcastle is three days per week.Luke’s kitchen assistant role includes setting up the counter and food preparation.
The employer has praised Luke for being focused, motivated, using his own initiative, being polite and helpful. Luke is now able to follow instructions and he only needs a few prompts to carry out his daily work tasks following the strict hygiene procedures, and working to a high professional standard. In July 2017 Luke completed his education at Hedleys College. Luke’s current employer has extended his contract and, with continued support from Access to Work Funding, Luke will be in supported employment three days per week.