Launchpad is all about developing skills and abilities. Every trainee sets their own personal achievement targets, which are celebrated once achieved. We take photos and videos to show how the trainees are progressing, and with these we create a visual CV for each trainee as a tangible record of their progress. This can be used as a CV to take to potential employers, or simply as a record of achievement.
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In both our kitchens trainees are encouraged to take part is as much as they can to be actively involved in the day-to-day running of a commercial kitchen and cafe. They are trained in all aspects of food hygiene and safety, food preparation, washing up and maintaining cleanliness to a high standard. In the cafe, they take on customer service, including using the till, serving food and drink and clearing and cleaning tables.
Day service placements:
A day service placement at Launchpad will enable
you to develop practical skills in catering and
hospitality whilst building your social skills and
confidence. This is normally funded through your
direct payments or by the local authority.
Work experience placements:
We work with local employers to set up
work experience placements for a variety
of job roles, fully supported by a Job
Coach.*
Supported Internships:
A Supported Internship is a structured
programme for young people aged 16-24 with and
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Supported Internships are usually 6-12 months in
duration, and combine a work placement at
Launchpad with a personalised study programme
Supported Employment
Supported Employment is a personalised
model for supporting people with disabilities
to secure and retain paid employment.
Launchpad can advise and support both
indivduals and employers in this process.
*If you meet the eligibility criteria, interships, work experience placements and supported employment can be funded by DWP.
Testimonial:
I’m so pleased that we found Launchpad! 'J' is a low support needs Autistic with good academic ability and we’d imagined he would be able to find suitable local employment when he finished college, but after many months of unsuccessfully applying for retail, bar and café work his confidence was low. We realised his Autism might be more of a barrier to employment than we’d expected, and also that his CV was lacking in practical experience.
Not sure where to turn for guidance, I discovered Launchpad and made contact to see if we could combine efforts to help 'J' move forward. He went along for a trial, and was keen to begin his training.
The team at Launchpad treat their trainees with respect and kindness. Their experience in working with a range of learning differences meant they soon evaluated 'J’s' capabilities. Their gentle encouragement has been just what 'J' needed and he’s really thrived during his placement at Wesley’s. His confidence has visibly improved and he’s been able to discuss options for further development, which they've readily encouraged.
Trainees also have the opportunity to work towards qualifications in food hygiene and first aid in collaboration with Action For Life.
