Job scheme opens door for Edward (From Warrington Guardian)

Job scheme opens door for Edward

A UNIQUE scheme in mid Cheshire is proving a phenomenal success in helping people back to work.

The Developing Options scheme sets a benchmark for similar projects across the UK with a 45 per cent success rate that is much higher than that of other schemes aimed at solving long-term unemployment.

People who join the scheme return to the classroom for a refresher on CV and interview techniques before gaining practical experience on a work placement.

Edward Platt, 30, found the Developing Options scheme vital in providing the key to full time employment.

Born with a neurological disorder and suffering from spina bifida, dyslexia and diabetes, Edward struggled to win over potential employers.

He said: "After leaving school I got a job making greenhouses but the recession came and I was kicked out.

"I then opted for a YTS scheme which lasted six years.

"I found that people were very discriminating against me because of my diabetes."

But after spending six weeks brushing up on his job hunting skills with the Developing Options scheme, and undertaking a work placement as a gardener at the Pettypool Trust in Sandiway, he was offered a full time position there maintaining the gardens and woods.

Nicola Colenso, Pettypool's general manager, said: "Eddie is wonderful. His productivity and work ethic is excellent, so much so that we have to drag him out of the rain and bad weather and tell him to stop working outside."

He said: "At first I thought it would be just another course but it was really good and gave me good experience of writing letters for jobs and conducting interviews - it opened the door for my job here."