Media students from Liverpool John Moores University are helping to promote an innovative project to support adults with a learning disability or difficulty into work.
The Knowsley Empower Job Carving project has been developed in partnership with Knowsley Council, All Saints Catholic High School, Eastcroft Primary School and First Ark.
The media students are currently on a placement with Knowsley Council to film a short documentary about the Job Carving project.
Job carving works by taking less skilled tasks from different jobs to create a role ideally suited for a person with a learning disability and / or difficulty. In turn, they offer a paid employment opportunity for someone who may struggle to find a job.
This frees up time for other staff to concentrate on the more skilled aspects of their roles leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
The hours of work depend upon the role created and the needs of the business and can range from a couple of hours per week up to a full time position.
The role starts as a four-week work placement, which allows the successful applicant to try out the role and make sure that it is right for them. It also allows the business to assess and review the job carved role to ensure that it contributes to their business need.
Filming has started at All Saints Catholic High School where Liam is on placement as a Print Room Assistant. His mentor Bill Green, Print Room Manager, has already seen the benefits of the job carved position as it his freed up his time to concentrate on his design work.
Tony McGuinness, Head Teacher at All Saints Catholic High School, said
“Job carving enables the school to support people with learning disabilities and / or difficulties to gain meaningful employment. We are delighted to take part in this project and Liam is doing really well in the role.”
To find out more about job carving, how it can benefit your business and the support available, contact Sue Temple Fielding, Supported Employment Coordinator on 0151 443 3054 or email susan.temple-fielding@knowsley.gov.uk