The Job Shadow day is an exciting initiative which runs throughout Ireland every spring. It is driven by the Irish Association of Supported Employment to give job seekers with disabilities the opportunity to experience the world of work by shadowing a mentor in their workplace for a day. It also gives employers and their employees the chance to see the many skills of people with different abilities, and raise awareness of disability in the workplace as well as promoting inclusion. In previous years many participants have been successful in securing paid work, so it really is a very valuable learning experience for all involved.
This year, there are seven service users, supported by their job coaches from Connect Employment, a supported employment team and division of Sunbeam House Services, who will be taking part in a variety of work places.
In Arklow, Ailbhe Kelly had a taste of the various elements of restaurant work with head chef Orla Killoran in the Park Bistro.
Emma Reynolds took the reigns at the Kish Equestrian Centre. Paul Roche joined the team in the St Vincent de Paul charity shop and Sean Sheeky will be busy in Kidzone in Wicklow.
The new business the Bridgewater Centre, River Bank Café and Bistro, welcomed William Russell to their team. William had a great experience and is delighted to have secured a job there.
In Bray, Garret Seery visited the studios of TV3 and Levi Elf Clarke spent his Job Shadow Day in radio station Spin 103.8 FM.