New initiative to get teens with learning difficulties into work

The event was attended by a number of local employers and organisations including Waitrose and the Newbury Volunteer Centre and was well attended by parents and pupils keen to get involved in the scheme, entitled When I Grow Up, a four-year programme which aims to increase work assumptions, aspirations and opportunities for young people with learning disabilities.
The Castle School, which runs the post-16 unit for young adults with learning disabilities, is one of just three schools nationally to be part of the initiative, which is being run by The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.
On the night, the achievements of pupils who have successfully completed work experience placements were also celebrated.
The headteacher at The Castle School, Jon Hewitt, said: “We are celebrating the amazing achievements of some of our older pupils who have been in work placements this year.
“The event is an opportunity to highlight the great work that local companies have done for us in terms of providing supportive work placements and also to celebrate how well our young people have done.
“Local companies that have been brilliant include Boots, Sainsbury, Tesco Metro, Waitrose, Pets at Home, Costa, Wolverton Plants and Northcroft Leisure Centre.”