European Social Fund in England

Skills to succeed

Vital job-seeking techniques are improving the employability of people with disabilities.

The High Rise project, run by training and development provider Instant Muscle, helps people with disabilities with low or no skills into work.

Clients follow a six-week programme of guidance and support in job-seeking techniques. Activities include CV creation, letter writing, interview techniques and mock interviews, telephone techniques and basic computer skills. Beneficiaries work in small groups and there is an incentive scheme for attendance.

Rosemary, 42, was unemployed for about 20 years before she joined the High Rise project. She started work as a part-time retail assistant at a local supermarket and after a few weeks began training as an assistant manager within the same firm. "The programme built up her confidence and enabled her to successfully return to the labour market," said project manager Debra Jackson.

Ben, 29, also joined High Rise with confidence problems but he secured a job as a valuations advisor after completing the course. "The scheme helped me get my self respect back," he said.

The project started in September 2004 and ends in June 2006. To date 31 of the project's 89 beneficiaries have secured employment.

Want to know more? Email: cm.mmnottingham@instantmuscle.org.uk