The 3 Ships Mark Capper Business Development Manager and Head of Employer Engagement

WHO ARE MENCAP? A charity working in England, Wales and Northern Ireland We support over 7,000 people with a learning disability each year We have been supporting people into paid work for over 40 years Turnover of nearly £200m of which approx. £4.5m is for employment support

Who funds our Employment work? We deliver a range of contracts to support people into work from various funders. We apply the same principles in all our work

6% 65% The current position actually do can and want to work Key message: 6% Main points: For many of us, becoming an adult and being able to work can free us from the life we were bought up in. OpenPage philosophy that ‘disability doesn’t hold you back’ But for learning disability it does 65% can and want to, only 6% actually do 6%. The current position

Just 6% of people of working age with a learning disability known to local authorities are in paid work Whilst the overall figures is likely to be higher, the picture is still bleak 120,000 more people with a learning disability in employment over the next 10 years The Conservative party’s manifesto pledged to get 1 million more disabled people into work in the next 10 years. 12% of disabled people have a Learning Disability – so this equates to a target of 120,000 into employment in the next 10 years. We can’t do this alone…. We have an great mix of people who can directly support through offering opportunities and other who in positions that can influence government agendas. We want and need to work together to make a positive change for the future of people with a learning disability in employment.

Our Big Plan 120,000 more people with a learning disability in employment over the next 10 years public partnerships government

Public perception

Partnerships National but don’t have current UK wide coverage Want to influence provision with and for other providers

Anne Milton Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills Mark Harper Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Learning Disability Penny Mordaunt Minister for Disability, Work and Health

Supported Internships The 3 ships Supported Internships Traineeships Apprenticeships

Supported Internships Supported internships are structured study programmes based primarily at an employer. Normally last for a year and include unpaid work placements of at least six months. Intended to support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme. Students complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if suitable, and English and maths to an appropriate level.

Traineeships An education and training programme with work experience that unlocks the great potential of young people and prepares them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. Designed to help young people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience, traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, maths and work experience needed to secure an apprenticeship or employment.

Apprenticeships Combine practical training in a job with study working alongside experienced staff gain job-specific skills get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week) take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Creating the opportunities Understanding the business benefits Being open-minded and flexible Being willing to work with Mencap and/or other like-minded organisations #LDWorkWeek 6th-12th Nov 2017 The Right Place

Good for Business The benefits of employing people with a learning disability