“I loved becoming a Zoo Keeper, on week one we were getting a new enclosure ready for the wolves and then feeding the brown bears their favourite treat – prunes. I have never been so close to a bear before. It was scary but amazing” Matthew
Options in Life’s Employability Project has been established to give young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs hands-on experience within real life working environments. Each block of the work experience course lasts around 6 to 12 weeks with participants visiting the work site once per week.
The work experience opportunities available are varied and participants are selected for each course according to their particular interest in the job field.
Our courses cover working with animals, outdoors, learning crafts and working with people. Some of our favourite courses have been the following jobs; Zoo keeper, alpaca farmer, park ranger, gardener, glass fusion worker, pottery and clay worker and café assistant.
Options in Life staff support a group of around 10 participants on each course. The same participants attend for the full block. Different groups are selected for every work experience course and participants are asked to register interest for each work experience opportunity.
The project aims to support participants to build experience that can be added to their CV and help build their confidence to apply for both voluntary and paid jobs within their local community.
To find out more information about our Employability Group or to be added to our mailing list to be the first to hear what work experience opportunities are available, please contact liz.optionsinlife@gmail.com
