Workplace Buddies A Discussion Workplace Buddies A Discussion

Workplace Buddies: A Discussion

Objectives: • Gain an understanding of Project Search • Learn more about Workplace Buddies • Share own experiences of best practice

Project Search ‘Preparing young people with additional support needs for success in integrated, competitive employment’ Working in partnership with: - Education provider - Local Council - Host employer To provide a unique workplace based experience for students – known as Interns

Project Search Students on the autistic spectrum and/or with additional support needs Placement in a real workplace Monday – Friday 5 hours per day at work 2 hours educational input Allocated a Buddy (experienced member of staff to support and train them)

What does a Workplace Buddy do? As well as undertaking their regular duties, they provide: - Training - Support - Real-time feedback When was a time you actively participated in a similar role?

Benefits of being a Workplace Buddy “It has made me really think about the way I do my job, and why we do certain things in the company” “It’s given me a chance to understand learn more about autism and learning disabilities – I didn’t know much before” “As a Manager, being a Buddy has made me think about how I will train Staff differently in the future”

Project Search in West Lothian This year’s cohort of Interns have had work placements in:

Jabil 2016/17 Toys R Us 2017/18 Group discussion: What are the positives/ negatives of each type of workplace?

Jabil 2016/17 Toys R Us 2017/18

Benefits of Toys R Us model of Workplace Buddies: - Interns had to be more independent “I can do things by myself – I don’t need someone with me all the time” - Demonstrated that those on the autistic spectrum can adapt to and cope with a less structured environment “I don’t get anxious like I used to when I don’t have a strict plan to follow” - Interns developed confidence in making their own decisions without having to check-in with their Buddy at all times “For the first time I feel in control of what I do”

- As the Interns became more independent, they in turn became workplace buddies for others “I liked training the Christmas temps. It made me feel like an expert” - Interns had the opportunity to identify their own strengths within the workplace “I never thought I’d be any good at customer service… turns out I love it!” - Interns are adaptable, and can confidently react well with changes in the workplace “I feel I can cope with any changes at work”

Outcomes The interns completing Project Search are truly prepared for the ‘real world’ of work They can cope with things they never thought they would: • • • Working by themselves Problem solving Answering phone calls and dealing with customers Unexpected changes at work Feeling comfortable working with a variety of different people Our interns are motivated, confident, and committed – and are all on the road to employment!