A young disabled woman from Shrewsbury has found paid work for the first time after working with a Shropshire training provider and Jobcentre Plus, through the Future Jobs Fund initiative.

Cheryl Lewis, 20, who is a wheelchair user, had never worked in paid employment . Eager to get a job, Cheryl worked with County Training, part of Shropshire Council and the largest training provider in the county.

Cheryl commented "Having only a little work experience, I was unsure of what to expect and was a little nervous. When I came to County Training, I needed support and guidance, which is exactly what I received."

The Future Jobs Fund initiative helps to create jobs for those aged 18 - 24 who have been unemployed from 6 months to a year, assisting them in moving into sustainable employment. 

Through the scheme, County Training works alongside employers within Shropshire by helping them to create new vacancies, providing funding for the first 6 months of employment.

Seeking employment for Cheryl, County Training and Enable, also part of Shropshire Council, worked with Disability Arts in Shropshire (DASH), who decided to recruit for a part time office assistant. Cheryl applied and was successful at interview and offered the role.

Pictured above: Cheryl Lewis

Cheryl started her job in January 2009 and has gone from strength to strength.

Mike Layward, Artistic Director, at DASH, said "Cheryl has already become an invaluable member of our team. Through this scheme, we have been able to create an important vacancy which would have otherwise not been possible."

DASH is a company and registered charity who support disabled people who are interested in visual art in West Midlands and Welsh borders. They work in partnership with arts organisations, galleries, community groups, day centres and many others, with their core work involving supporting individual artists through training, mentoring and development.

Councillor Stephen Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, commented "This initiative provides job opportunities for young people who are keen to get into employment. County Training not only supports the individuals into work, but also supports the employers by providing funding to allow them to create vacancies, solving a multitude of staffing and recruitment issues."

If you are interested in the Future Jobs Fund and how this could assist your business, call County Training on 01743 255191.