A national charity urges companies to hire blind and partially sighted individuals, emphasizing the benefits of its Get Set Progress internship.
- Blind and partially sighted people face significant employment barriers, with only 27% employed compared to 76% of the general population.
- The Get Set Progress internship programme offers employers support and has an impressive success rate, with 85% of participants gaining full-time employment within six months.
- Businesses report increased confidence in hiring blind and partially sighted individuals after participating in the programme.
- The internship programme is open for applications and aims to attract 30 employers to provide opportunities in 2024.
A renowned national charity has made a significant call to employers to increase their hiring of blind and partially sighted people (BPS), pointing to its revamped Get Set Progress internship programme as an effective solution. Despite various government efforts, the employment rate for BPS individuals remains at a low 27%, starkly contrasting with the general employment rate of 76%.
The Get Set Progress internship, orchestrated with the Royal National Institute of Blind People, aims to bridge this gap by working proactively with employers. This initiative not only enhances employer confidence but also equips them with the necessary resources and support to successfully integrate blind and partially sighted interns into their workforce. Notably, the programme boasts a remarkable achievement where 85% of its interns secure full-time roles within half a year of completing their internship.
Chris Holton, Product Director at Zappar, lauded the programme for its structured approach and effectiveness, highlighting the seamless process from application to onboarding. The enthusiasm expressed by employers underscores the value and potential impact of the candidates, who are already contributing significantly to their respective organisations. Such endorsements reflect positively on the programme’s ability to deliver quality candidates who meet and often exceed workplace expectations.
The programme’s ambition is to collaborate with 30 different organisations in the upcoming year, offering full-time nine-month internships that promise development through a dedicated training plan, mentorship, and employability support. These internships are remunerated according to the real living wage, reflecting an earnest effort to provide tangible and fair employment opportunities for BPS individuals.
Applications for hosting one of these interns are currently open, with a closing deadline of June 2024. Prospective employers are encouraged to apply via the Thomas Pocklington Trust Grants Portal, where they can also apply for financial grants to support the salary costs for their intended interns.
The programme seeks to uplift the employment status of blind and partially sighted individuals through strategic internships and support.
