Disabled graduates wanted for fast-track employment scheme

Disability charity Scope is looking for disabled graduates to join its Fast-Track employment scheme for September 2004-2005.

Fast-Track is a work based development scheme that aims to provide disabled graduates with their first step into a chosen career. It consists of a 12-month contract of employment with Scope, during which trainees undertake two six month placements with a number of organisations including BAA, Corus and the Audit Commission. Many of the recruits, who are paid 14,000 p/a during their training, go on to secure permanent positions within their placement organisation or a similar company.

Catherine Hudson, a current Fast-Track trainee working for Kodak, says:
It is hard to find your first graduate job, whatever your personal circumstances. On top of this, it can be very difficult to persuade recruiters to see you as a graduate first, disabled second. However, Fast-Track introduces you to employers who are keen to embrace diversity. During the first month of my placement -within the PR department at Kodak- I have had the opportunity to demonstrate that disability is far from a hindrance, with my resultant transferable skills proving to be assets in a business environment. This year’s experience will prove priceless, as thanks to Fast-Track, I am already making contacts and feel positive about my long term prospects.

The closing date for applications is March 15th 2003.