This June, we are partnering up with Cumbria’s own Story Contracting to break down barriers and build new opportunities to explore careers in construction for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
This collaboration will offer a unique five-week summer school, where individuals will spend one day a week at Story, gaining a hands-on experience across a range of construction roles at Story’s headquarters as well as on a live construction site: the south Carlisle bypass.
The Story summer school is available to people with a learning disability, and autistic people, who are interested in discovering more about the world of construction. With spaces for 5 participants, each of whom will be supported by trained Coaches from both organisations, ensuring a safe and empowering environment to learn, grow and thrive.
Adam Hughes, Head of Communications and Enterprise reflected on the significance of this summer programme collaboration;
“Since People First launched its Creating Careers programme, we have been passionate about creating opportunities not just in places like the hospitality and retail, but into all areas of work that Cumbria has to offer. This partnership between our two great organisations, is about making a positive difference for everyone. We know that the construction industry is facing a national skills shortage and there can often be an outdated perception of who can work in this industry; we’re here to challenge this misconception.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Story to make the construction industry more inclusive,”
Said Emma Lyons, People First’s Employability Team Leader.
“Too often, people with learning disabilities are overlooked. This internship is about showing what’s possible, and helping people take their first steps towards a meaningful career.”
Participants will take part in site visits, shadow professionals, try out different roles, and gain valuable workplace skills. The programme will culminate in a celebration lunch where participants and staff from Story and People First can come together to at the People First Conference Centre.
Interested in taking part?
If you are autistic or have a learning disability, or know someone who is, and are interested in taking part, then we encourage you to sign up now using the form below. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or call 01228 236 339.
Let’s build something great, together.