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Inclusive employment transforms lives

Having supported 3,000 residents over the past 7 years, Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team celebrate one of the many success stories of helping someone into work.

Between 2016 and 2023, the team have supported 3,053 individuals with nearly half of them achieving an outcome of employment, education or training. Among all participants, over a third had a disability or health issue and on average, they spend 9 weeks longer accessing support to secure a job or training. To help them move into work, dedicated programmes combining work experience and formal training are available for residents with additional needs.

Supported Internships target young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan while Supported Employment programme aims to support residents with learning disabilities. The experience has been life changing for many.

Michelle Prowett is one of the residents who have benefited from the Supported Employment programme. She gained one-year work experience in the kitchen and a food hygiene certificate through the programme. This helped her secure a paid job as a Catering Assistant in Woodlands Infant School last year. Working part-time, she has developed a new hobby during her day off – horse riding. With her new wages, she has learnt how to manage her money, stay active and healthy.

Michelle said: “I have learnt new skills during my placement which are going to stay with me forever. I always laugh and joke with my teammates in this team. If I struggle with something, I know that they will help me. I work at the till sometimes which is something that I hadn’t tried before and I love it.”

Her supervisor, Suzanna Bown, Unit Catering Manager said: “It is absolutely wonderful to see her confidence grow. Other team members get to mentor and support her. It is a great learning opportunity for everyone in the team.”

Councillor Michael Gough, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Employment & Inclusion, said: “We always work to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to be healthier and happier. We are on a mission to create great opportunities for everyone to access good work and training. What we have learnt in the past is helping us enhance our support for residents.

“On the other hand, it is equally important to engage local businesses. We have developed an employer-led strategy which will enable us to continuously shape our offer with the ever-evolving skills demand from employers.”

Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team are committed to providing residents with support and guidance for work and training to reach their goals. To get in touch, please leave your contact details in the form (link). If you would like to find out more about the programmes for residents with additional needs, please refer to this webpage.

Photo caption: Michelle and Suzanna with their teammates.