A national charity is urging employers to increase opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals, highlighting their internship programme as a solution.
- Despite governmental initiatives, employment rates for blind and partially sighted people (BPS) remain low at just 27%, in contrast to 76% for the general population.
- The Thomas Pocklington Trust’s ‘Get Set Progress’ internship has seen significant success, with 85% of participants securing full-time employment post-programme.
- Employers are encouraged to apply for the upcoming round of internships to benefit from the unique skills and perspectives BPS individuals offer.
- The programme offers comprehensive support, including training and mentoring for interns to ensure a meaningful employment experience.
A national charity is urging companies to create more employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people (BPS), aiming to tackle the significant employment gap they face. This group has an employment rate of only 27%, starkly lower than the 76% of the general population. The charity has highlighted its successful ‘Get Set Progress’ internship programme as a practical solution to this issue.
Managed by the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the internship programme collaborates with renowned organisations like the Royal National Institute of Blind People to help increase employer confidence. Employers involved in the programme report feeling more equipped to recruit and support BPS employees. The programme’s efficacy is evident, with 85% of interns securing full-time positions within six months post-internship, showcasing the talents and enthusiasm of participants eager to enter the workforce.
Businesses participating in the programme have expressed high levels of satisfaction. Chris Holton, Product Director at a partnering company, praised the programme for its seamless process and the impactful contributions of the interns. The programme does not only benefit the interns but also enriches the workplace with diversity and unique insights.
The programme is currently inviting applications for its next round, with a call for businesses across various industries to engage. Internships span nine months and are compensated at the real living wage, crafted to serve as valuable development opportunities complete with training plans, mentorship, and robust support structures.
Employers are able to apply for grants to assist with intern salaries and receive support throughout the internship duration, including role advertisement, recruitment, and training on workplace inclusivity regarding sight loss. With last year’s programme seeing participation from several sectors, the initiative strives to place more blind and partially sighted individuals in meaningful roles across diverse industries.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust’s internship scheme offers a practical approach to bridging employment gaps for blind and partially sighted individuals.
