Diversity charity urges companies to help with work placements
Release Date 14 February 2011
The University of Reading is hosting an event to encourage more people to become involved with a charity that helps people with disabilities and the disadvantaged find work experience placements.
Graft Thames Valley is holding an Experience Works Showcase Reception on Wednesday 23 February, 6.30-8.30pm, in Henley Business School on the University's Whiteknights Campus.
Graft supports disabled and disadvantaged people into training and employment. Work experience placements are crucial in helping clients develop their skills and confidence so that the transition to paid employment is less challenging.
The evening aims to promote the significant benefits that work experience can offer, both in terms of the impact upon individuals and the benefits to employers, organisations and the wider community.
Guest speakers from Microsoft and Marks and Spencer will be speaking about their experience of working with Graft on their work experience programmes.
Aideen Henry, Beneficiary Officer at Graft, said: "We are pleased to be hosting our event at the University of Reading, an institution that strongly promotes the benefits of work experience and that is committed to supporting local organisations.
"Employers benefit greatly from working with our candidates and our work experience programme has long-lasting benefits for both the employer and the individuals. We would really love to share some of our success stories and talk about how a work placement programme could benefit companies and organisations."
If you would like to attend the event, please R.S.V.P to Joe Matthewson by email on joe@graft.org.uk or by phoning 0118 986 9933 no later than Friday, 18 February.
ENDS
Graft Thames Valley was founded five years ago with the aim to help people with disabilities back into work and to provide a holistic support service. The project was initiated by Reading Borough Council after a joint investment plan was issued by central government to each local authority on the matter.
Its initial funding ended in March 2009 but it has been awarded Big Lottery Funding to run a project called "Diversity in Action" over the next three years. Graft is a registered Charity and Limited Company