Leading charities that help people with visual impairments have come together
Sight loss charities that support young people with visual impairments have come together to ‘bridge the gap’ for young adults who are in between education and employment. VICTA and RNC are hosting Get Workplace Ready, a pilot three-month short course for young adults aged between 19 and 29 with a visual impairment.
Funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust and delivered by Train2Train, the course is designed to help participants discover their career goals, tackle fear of failure, increase self-confidence and improve their wellbeing, to take their first positive steps towards the labour market.
RNC and VICTA hosted the initial six-day residential at the College’s Hereford-based campus which consisted of more than 10 classroom-led and four activity-based, friendly and interactive sessions in combination with targeted one to one support.
Attendees learned how to become aware and take control of their inner dialogue and rediscover their personal strengths. They also explored basic self-coaching skills and will receive employability coaching for a further three months to support sustainable outcomes.
Participants have also been encouraged to think about themselves as peer mentors to each other thereby building a support network that will exist beyond the duration of the programme and further support positive outcomes.
Nick Schofield, CEO of VICTA said:
‘Get Workplace Ready has been shaped to create a unique learning opportunity for participants to acquire such skills as working with others, understanding self, communicating, making decisions and leadership, all framed within the context of a move into the labour market. Achieving the qualification has the potential to boost confidence and self-esteem of all participants.’
The course was devised in a direct response to statistics released in 2022 by VICTAR, which showed that only one in four visually impaired people are in long-term employment. Links that have been established between unemployment and poor mental health have also been identified as a key driver for the course.
In addition, recent reports from RNIB show that visually impaired graduates have the same opportunities and pay level as those leaving school at 16 without qualifications.
So far, the course has been very warmly received by attendees. One student said:
‘Being given the opportunity to partake in the get ready for employment course has really opened my eyes up to the world of work and given me ideas on how to tackle seeking and maintaining work.
‘Also being able to do team-building activities with the other members of the group was such a nice way to get to know people and strengthen bonds beyond the classroom. It was truly an invaluable week and I extend my thanks to the Thomas Pocklington Trust for funding the course and I look forward to what the rest of the duration of the course has to bring and beyond.’
Among the activities students were invited to take part in a bowling session, a VI sport activities, archery and axe-throwing to promote communication and team-building throughout the week.
Students will now be supported throughout the next three months to complete the modules. This pilot course is just the start on an annual programme which aims to support VI young adults to take the next step in to employment, training or apprenticeships.
The next course is due to start in October 2024, more details can be found here.
What the students did next…
The attendees have made great progress since their initial meeting during the residential part of the course which focuses on developing resilience, problem solving and confidence.
One attendee, James, 21, has secured a place at the university of his choice. He is also now working part time and due to spend the summer working abroad with young people. He said:
‘The people I’ve met on the course are all different ages yet I have made two really good friends that I can relate to which has built my confidence.
‘It is the personalities of the team delivering that has really encouraged me and I feel reassured that there is a solution to my view of workplace problems. I understand that it is seen as positive to talk about what I need in the workplace and a breakthrough was the impact of time management and networking.’
Rachel, 20, another participant on the course, has started a new college course and has been volunteering at VICTA. She also regularly takes trains into London, something that has been a barrier for her in the past. She aspires to work as a counsellor and work with young people.
Other students who attended the course are busy volunteering to build their confidence and employability skills with support from course leaders. Another attendee is aiming to apply for a Masters in the next few months while another is planning to work in the NHS.
Course leaders are delighted to hear of the students’ progression. Kim Webb said:
‘Whatever training they have had before they have not been able to put that into practice. Self-belief and confidence improve over time so being able to do something like the Get Workplace Ready course shows their mindset is ready for the next stage in life.’
Three visually impaired young people with two guide dogs stand chatting and smiling in front of RNC’s Learning Hub
About The Royal National College for the Blind
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), located in Hereford, is the UK’s leading specialist residential further education and training provider for young people aged 16-25 with visual impairment (VI).
The College has been running for over 150 years, with an undisputed track record of delivering top quality education, vocational training and life skills to students with VI in the 16 to 25 age group.
RNC is a registered charity and heavily relies on donations to support its life-changing work. Extra funds are necessary to allow purchase of new kit, the latest VI resources and technology, refurbish and improve areas of the campus and provide enriching extra-curricular experiences for students.
RNC is a unique national asset, being England’s only specialist post-16 provider for young people with VI.
RNC has had a longstanding relationship with the Royal Family. The late Queen was the College’s Patron for many years, with the former Prince of Wales taking up the patronage in 1997. As part of the College’s 150th anniversary celebrations, King Charles paid a visit to the College in December 2022. It was the Monarch’s first visit to the West Midlands.