Step Up case study - Disability (DARE) – Learning again on their terms with support that works.
Focus on people who have a disability, are aged 16 years or over and are unemployed or economically inactive. The stories highlight the impact of support provided to enhance opportunities to gain qualifications and progress into work or stay in work.
Due to personal issues the student currently does not hold any qualifications, but at the age of 24, they have agreed to come back and try education again. They have acquired some experience of part time employment in the hospitality sector and decided that this is not where they want to lead their career.
Along with some qualifications, the student is also keen to gain new skills and improve and develop their transversal skills, as they know employers like them, as they recently stated – “Even McDonalds are using transversal skills in their TV adverts, like communication, leadership and teamwork.”
Whilst on their step up journey, not only did the student avail of a Step-Up Lead Mentor, but also the Learning Support Team and the Careers Department, this really helped the student have full attendance, make education less scary, change their attitude and their mindset. The student discovered that they enjoyed the course, meeting new friends and they “really liked doing PowerPoints.”
Whilst on the programme the student, who “found it fun and interesting,” completed 6 credits, which means they have achieved an OCN NI L2 Award. This has given them the confidence to continue with their education and they have applied to complete an OCN NI L2 Extended Certificate.