Testimonials

"Softcat plc have been working with Ways into Work since 2016. During this time, Ways into Work has supported us by helping us to employ 3 people with learning disabilities into our staff canteen area, and what can I say – what a great success!

Ways into Work have been key players in the success of our canteen area. They supported me and the Softcat team with recruitment, training, development of the area and are always at the end of the phone for any guidance. I would recommend using Ways into Work at any point, as they truly are a valued partner of Softcat."

"I have worked with Ways into Work for the past 4 years and have put five young people into employment through Ways into Work. The care that goes into the selection process and the support post-employment means the employee fits directly into the role. The after-employment support is so important and each employee continues to be supported post-employment by their assigned Employment Coach who stays in touch, supports with training and with any interpretation of any communications to the level required by the individual. Ways into Work often fill a vacancy that is sometimes difficult to fill and where other agencies will just think about filling the hole with any candidate. Ways into Work really care about the employee and the employer".

"Here at Windsor Glass Company Ltd we are proud to be part of the Windsor community. We wanted to give back, so we contacted Ways into Work to assist us in filling a position. They couldn't have been more helpful. Michelle has been a perfect fit for our business and we are very happy to call her part of our team."

"League of Friends RBH have now been working with both Becci and Alice from Ways into Work for a few years. They have worked closely with us to ensure that students (interns on the Supported Internship programme Ways into Work manage) receive regular visits, resources and job coaching as required and feedback. This is not only good for all students we have had, but good for my team of staff and volunteers that vary from day to day. All this ensures that all processes and communications between ourselves and Ways into Work are maintained at all times."

"Ways into Work have been extremely supportive in the recruitment of one of our sessional community coaches, who is now delivering within our WWSET Activity Programme. Ways into Work were always happy to assist us operationally and logistically within the recruitment process and I am extremely grateful for their support in this regard."

"The process of recruiting Chris was simple and easy, wonderfully helpful staff who made the process of finding the right candidate and setting up work trials simple and easy to fit into a busy schedule. Couldn’t be happier with Chris as he has fit into the team exceptionally well. We love having him around and is a valuable member of the company. Would definitely recommend Ways into Work, from start to finish, they have been brilliant."

"Getting involved with the Ways into Work (WiW) Supported Internship scheme has been a real pleasure for all the teams involved. Mentoring and guiding the young people has brought out unseen qualities in some of the staff on site and improved the team spirit. It has been a wonderful experience to see how the young people develop and take on new challenges as their confidence grows. The team from WIW have always been very supportive to Sodexo and the young people working in our care and have always been just a phone call away should there be any training/help required to assist the young people. It has been a very relaxed working relationship that has always been enjoyable. 

 

The Ways into Work Supported Internship is an amazing scheme and the WIW team truly care about the well-being of the placements. They strive to give the young people the best possible experience of the workplace and this in turn makes the Sodexo teams eager to show how enjoyable work can be. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and we would highly recommend it to other companies looking to get involved." 

"We have employed a great member of the team through Ways into Work and been supported really well along the journey! Not only do they support the candidates settling into a new working environment and ensuring that they can complete the tasks and feel comfortable but effectively they support you as a business in this new starter process. Not a company you need to think twice about working with! We now have a fab new member of the team which adds so much!"

"Riverways Farm is absolutely delighted to be associated with Ways Into Work. We have been working closely with Kes for nearly 2 years and have enjoyed seeing her develop and become part of the team. Initially Kes came with Mel her Employment Coach however after a while Kes felt comfortable enough to start talking and working with members of our staff and eventually even myself. This was very rewarding for me as an employer. With time and travel training support from Ways into Work Kes also managed to come to the farm in a taxi by herself so she is now completely independent going to and from work. She now works independently every week on her own. The experience and relationship with Ways Into Work has been a real benefit to our business and staff members."

"Our collaboration and partnership with Ways into Work has delivered real benefits to us as an organisation and to the communities we serve. The partnership has enabled access to a previously untapped talent pipeline of young people with learning disabilities, many of whom have secured employment here at the hospital. Ways into Work have enabled us to elevate organisational awareness of learning disabilities in our organisation and has informed improved approaches in areas such as recruitment, training and staff support."

"Ways into Work were a very committed partner to the Elevate Berkshire project supporting over a hundred young adults. They were one of the top performing partners in terms of work outcomes achieved even though they were working with those who had the most complex barriers."

"Ways into Work have been fantastic. Through them we have gained a brilliant new member of the kitchen team. They have been supportive throughout the whole process, present at interviews, through the first shift, and following up since. They are professional and caring, I cannot thank them enough."

"Having a SEN child is hard work. You worry what future there is for them, so having people like Ways into Work and Sodexo giving our young people a chance to shine fills me full of hope and joy that there is a place for all in our society. This internship has made such a difference to my son, he is now full of confidence and feels a valued asset to Sodexo."

"When Ryan moved from Reading College to the Route to Recruit Supported Internship at The Royal Berkshire Hospital, we didn't know what to expect. Well what can I say - the support that Ryan received from Ways into Work was second to none while he was in the internship at the hospital. 

He now has a paid Job within the same hospital and Ways into Work still support him if he needs it."

"Once Christian turned 18 years old we were on our own - there wasn’t any support for young adults like Christian with learning difficulties to have access to employment. I found this very upsetting and stressful. I had no one to turn too and I felt Christian would be destined to sit at home on his phone every day watching his brother and cousins find work and get on with life. 

 

Ways into Work is that much needed link for young adults with learning difficulties to get a foot in the door into employment and to give employers the opportunity to see these young adults and their many qualities - not just see the disabilities on their CV before putting it in the bin. With Ways into Work and the supported internship Christian has gained so much confidence and experience and that led to him being offered a 2-month work trial and then a full-time contract. This would not have happened without the support from Ways into Work - young adults with learning difficulties deserve the same opportunities as other young adults."