Mencap offers traineeships programmes in Warehousing. Tutors teach groups of around 5-10 students, with prior attainment ranging from entry level to level 2. They are referred by local Jobcentre Plus staff, local authority SEND teams, local schools and colleges. All students have a learning disability and are aged between 19 and 24 years. Increasingly the cohorts include learners with autism and mental health needs, particularly high levels of anxiety and previous poor attendance in learning. Very few have had previous work experience.
The programmes take place over 17 weeks, to include one week of preparation. The final four weeks are spent fulltime in work-placement. Students have an initial assessment, including a maths, English and ICT assessment and a vocational profile leading to an individual learning plan. All students study English, maths, EDSQ and a work-preparation programme leading to 70-100 hours of work experience.
When they have successfully completed the work placement there is a possibility of employment.
