Disability Traineeship Programme 2009-2011
Chief executive Padraig McManus and HR Executive Director, Luke Shinnors have given their full support to the 2009-2011 Disability Traineeship Programme, currently being launched by the Equality and Diversity Office.
This positive initiative will continue the great success of the pilot traineeship scheme first introduced in 2006, which resulted in positive interest and recognition for ESB from external disability organisations and statutory agencies.
Thirty trainees completed the programme, which was of six months duration, during the pilot stage between 2006 and 2008, The programme was socially inclusive, trainees were male and female, ranged in ages from 20 to 50 and came from diverse social, disability, urban and rural backgrounds. A number of trainees went on to find external employment and a number gained contract employment with ESB. However, all trainees agreed that their time with ESB on the Traineeship Programme has been a very positive, and invaluable, experience.
In launching the 2009-2011 programme, ESB is committed to offering 10 traineeship places each year to people with disabilities and they will be given the opportunity of a six-month paid traineeship in ESB. The purpose of these traineeships is to give the participants the experience of a modern flexible business environment, to build-up their skills and confidence, and to enhance their chances for further employment.
In 'normal times' people with disabilities have greater difficulty than others in entering or staying in the workforce. In the light of the present recession, these difficulties are likely to get worse. So, the new programme is a very timely and socially-responsive measure by ESB. All business units across ESB will take part in the new Traineeship Programme. A team of 'disability champions' and mentors will work closely with the Equality and Diversity Office to help the trainees settle into ESB as smoothly as possible and to support them throughout their time in the company.
Suitable areas of work have been identified and job-specifications have been prepared to assist in the selection process. It is hoped that the successful applicants will start before the end of May. A special five-day induction course has been designed, which will help to breakthe- ice and to learn about ESB and about the business unit where they will work.
Disability awareness training will be provided for staff who directly work-with, or provide support to, a disability trainee, such as team leaders, team members, disability champions and mentors. The Equality and Diversity Office will advise on any accessibility or safety issues that may arise. During the earlier pilot programme, staff and management at all levels offered great support to the trainees. This wasn't confined to work only, but included social activities both at work and outside of the job. This gave the trainees a sense of belonging that they didn't really expect, but which they greatly appreciated. Given the goodwill and innate generosity of people in ESB, we are sure that this year's trainees will be made to feel just as welcome.
If you would like to learn more about ESB's Disability Code of Practice or ESB's Disability Awareness Training, please contact the Equality and Diversity Office at 26270, 26705 or 27534. We will be happy to help.
