European Social Fund in England

Success for partially sighted jobseeker

Thanks to an eight-week work entry programme, a 29-year-old from Waterlooville has got his first paid job and Havant Borough Council has a new member of staff who has first-hand experience of the importance of Disability Access.

Paul Burgham-Wilson, who is registered blind, has started work as Access Assistant to the Borough Council's Disability Access Officer, Richard Sturgess and he is already off to a flying start.

"Paul is great help and a real asset to the team," said Richard. "Too many employers have negative assumptions about employing disabled staff but there is a wealth of talent and skill to be found among disabled people that is waiting to be tapped into by employers."

"Luckily I got to Paul before anyone else managed to snap him up," he added.

Despite good qualifications and bags of experience doing voluntary work, Paul found prospective employers were reluctant to give him a job because of his disability. But that changed after he started doing voluntary work at the Wheatsheaf Trust's Employment Resource and Support Centre in Warren Park, a charity specialising in advice and support for unemployed people and disadvantaged groups.

While he was there Paul signed up for the centre's eight-week work entry programme and was given a dedicated personal advisor who helped him prepare CVs, write letters and complete application forms. He was also given advice on how to find jobs and how to succeed at interview - all tips that helped him to secure a life-changing job with Havant Borough Council.

"My week is now more occupied, I feel more confident and I am meeting more people," said Paul. "I would like to thank everyone at the centre for their support and kindness, especially Tracy who worked hard for me and helped me find paid employment. I will always be grateful to her."

Employment and Training Advisor, Tracy added: "When Paul came in on the eight-week programme we knew it wasn't going to be easy but neither of us gave up. Despite his disabilities Paul was always focused, confident and motivated. We sent speculative letters with a copy of his CV to about 40 or 50 companies and organisations. It worked and I was as excited as Paul when he got his first job."

For more information about the eight-week Work Entry Programme or other services available at the Wheatsheaf Trust's Employment Resource and Support Centre call Employment and Training Manager, Allison McDonald-Hughes, on 023 9249 8950 or visit the centre at 10 Strouden Court in Warren Park.