Hard work pays off for Hucknall lads Harry and Reece

Harry Ancliffe and Reece Wood, who are both 19 and both from Hucknall were taking part in a supported internship scheme called Project Search when the pandemic hit.

Project Search is jointly run by Nottinghamshire County Council’s i-work employment team, Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Foxwood Academy.

Students are supported to have work placements over the academic year, as well as following an employment curriculum.

They receive support with all aspects of employment, including travel, recruitment processes, right to work documentation, applications and interviews and ongoing on-the-job support.

Harry and Reece’s placements looked in doubt when the first lockdown began, but the council’s team negotiated for them to be employed by the hospital as agency staff during the pandemic.

And they impressed their boss so much that they have both now been taken on as permanent full-time members of staff.

Reece said: “Someone worked with me to learn the jobs and taught me what to do and I found that helpful.

"It’s good to get paid, working makes me feel good about myself.

"I felt happy about the job. I find the work easy. I like talking to my friends, getting out and meeting people.”

Harry added: “I feel so happy getting this job, I feel more independent.

The support I’ve received has made a huge difference. It’s important to try your best, no matter how hard. It’s important to keep your manager happy.”

David Argyle, logistics manager for city campus, and the men’s manager, said: “They’re doing an absolutely fantastic job.

"They’ve really come out of their shell and I believe in giving people the chance to experience the job and gain confidence.”

Lorraine Wood, Reece’s mum, said: “It’s brilliant what they’ve done for him.

"If there was no Project Search, he would have probably gone into respite care.

"I would recommend Project Search to any young person with similar needs – they’re absolutely fabulous.”

Sue Batty, service director at the council, said: “I’m delighted that these two young men have achieved paid employment through hard work and dedication.

"This achievement is even more impressive at a time when so many others have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.

"We are committed as a council to supporting people with disabilities into paid employment and I would like to thank our i-work team, Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Foxwood Academy for making this opportunity possible for Harry, Reece and so many others.”

Find out more about employment support for adults with disabilities here.