Young adults are offered more independence and a chance to improve employment prospects.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is giving young adults living with a learning disability, physical disability, mental health issue or autism a unique opportunity.
Project Choice works with young adults offering them opportunities to gain work experience and improve their employability and independence.
Jordan Carrielies and Jordan Tyson (pictured) have taken up the role as the trusts’ first-ever porter apprentices.
After their first month in the job, Jordan Carrielies said: “I like to learn the job along the way which is what this job allows. I have been able to get to know the different sites so I’m working in different places and meeting new people. I’m really enjoying it and got my first pay last week.”
Jordan Tyson added: “I love working here, it’s amazing.”
The apprenticeship is part time for two years and both are paid the national apprenticeship wage. They have said they hope to go into further employment within the Trust once the apprenticeship is finished.
Gayl Keddie, Project Choice Area Manager at CNTW, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer employment to our former students.
“The job will enable Jordan and Jordan to build on the skills they have gained on the Project Choice programme. Many of our students learn in different ways so doing an apprenticeship means they are in a supportive environment where they are encouraged to develop.
“We hope this apprenticeship will allow them to grow and learn and believe in what they can achieve.”
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services in North East and north Cumbria.
