Step Up case study - Disability (DARE) – From “daunted” to “doing”
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.
Participant is 24-year-old male and joined Step Up programme who had been away from education for several years and decided to come back to college to look at gaining more skills.
Participants comments at the start of the course were:
‘Really daunted to be here, mixed feelings and overwhelmed.’
At the beginning of course, participant was quiet and did not interact a lot with peers. During Mentoring classes, he struggled to participate in group activities and would not contribute, unless prompted.
In 1.1 discussions, participant talked about future career plans, and lack of knowledge about job searching. Mentor supported participant 1.1 to create a CV and look at improving employability skills, including mock interviews and application forms. This was a positive experience and boosted his confidence.
Mentor supported participant to make appointment with college Learning Support where he was able to meet to discuss strategies around confidence as well as additional support for completing coursework.
Participant completed Step Up programme and is now working towards achieving his Level 2 qualification.
His comments at conclusion of programme included:
‘I’ve felt I have settled in quite well and know my way around. There has been a boost in self-esteem. I am content with how things are going overall.’