Benefits to companies

First impressions, first experiences is a 26-week programme to support young disabled people in Tower Hamlets and surrounding areas on the road to a rewarding career.

Participating companies benefit from:

• the enthusiasm and motivation that the young disabled people bring
• support for your diversity and staff engagement programmes
• no financial cost as this is work experience
• our expert support

Types of employment placements

We have a number of work experience windows, each lasting up to eight weeks. The start dates are:

• 12 August 2013
• 13 January 2014
• 2 June 2014
• 13 October 2014
• 16 February 2015

Call 07807 799 928 to find out more – contact us today!

You can choose to offer:

• placements of two or three days per week for six to eight weeks
• tasters of one or two days over a two-week period

Employment support we provide

If you provide a placement for us, we will:

• make sure you get the right person, whose career goals match your organisation
• fund the young person’s travel costs
• work with you to complete a health and safety assessment
• provide support and advice to both you and the young person

Work experience placements

Most recent placements have occurred with London Overground, East London Dance, Smyths Toys, Arcola Theatre and Credit Suisse amongst others.

The programme - how it works

Young people referred onto programme

Weeks 1–2: Initial

• Work with an advisor to think about career goals and build a personal action plan.

Weeks 3–8: Personal development

• Meet your advisor and take part in workshops to develop important skills for the job market.

Weeks 9–16: Work experience / Mentoring / next steps sessions

• Go on a part-time work placement in a job that matches your career aspirations.
• Have opportunities to further develop your skills and time to make job applications with support from local employers,
• Mentoring from the local business community and your Scope advisor.

Weeks 16–26: Action planning / ongoing one-to-one support

• Work with your advisor to review your experience on the programme and think about the next steps in your career.
• Ongoing  support to support applications and interviews