The programme is providing students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a variety of roles.
Bob Gray, managing director of ESS, said: “Compass’s ‘Mission to a Million’ commits to enhancing the opportunities for 1m people from both within and outside the organisation by 2030.
“Programmes such as First Steps really bring this pledge to life and I’m delighted at the progress the students have made during their time with us.”
The initiative began when ESS joined the Central Bedfordshire Council SEND Employment Forum to identify opportunities for providing an access to work initiative and established the link with Bedford College.
The organisations worked together to develop a bespoke course for students aged 18-24 who have completed their formal college education but are experiencing barriers to employment.
As a result 12 students are now undertaking a year-long internship which sees them completing a series of placements in ESS’s catering, retail and cleaning departments. The participants rotate across the three areas and gain experience in a variety of roles and tasks, giving them the chance to see what they are interested in.
They spend one afternoon a week on classroom-based activities, including CV writing and interview techniques, and have access to the Compass e-learning portal which enables them to explore a range of subjects.
The college has placed two job coaches and a tutor on site to support the programme.
Prior to delivering the initiative, the ESS team received training from the college on the potential challenges experienced by the interns, and two members of the company’s management team completed a five-day course on Training in Systematic Instruction (TSI).
The programme has already proved to be a success at Chicksands, with three individuals already being offered permanent positions with ESS.
Louise Smith, head of foundation at The Bedford College Group, commented: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with ESS to provide excellent opportunities for our students.
“It is a priority for us to be able to support students to further develop their skills and knowledge through real life work experience with the aim of supporting them to gain paid outcomes. We hope that this is just the start of a long partnership with ESS.”