Laura has been working at The Blue Badge Company for three months now. Here she shares her story about what it was like being on Project Search, working with a Job Coach at Sixteen Co-operative and her experience of finding employment:

“I did Project Search in January 2020 and as part of that, I completed work experience at: 

• A post room - I sorted the post, logged parcels, coded the boxes and talked to students to give them their post.  
• A local school – I went into the classrooms with the children and did break-time duties and went out with the children for lunchtime.
• A charity shop - I sorted out the books in alphabetical order and cleaned the furniture.

It gave me an understanding of the world of work. After I finished Project Search, I knew that I wanted to find a paid job.”

Laura then worked with a Community Job Coach at Sixteen Co-operative Ltd through the We Work for Everyone Programme. They worked together on her job search and what was important to her. 

“The things that were important to me for my job search were: 

• Something creative 
• A small team
• A job that had the same routine

We found the job at Blue Badge. They are a creative company and make and package different kinds of products like wallets for blue badges, doorstops, lap trays, iPad stands, all kinds of things.  

Instead of an interview, I did a work trial to get an understanding of the job. They asked me questions at the end. They were really impressed with me and they offered me the job while I was on holiday! 
​
I felt happy and excited! 

I did some travel training with my job coach to get off at the right bus stop for work and then I would do the walk to Blue Badge. Now I get the bus independently every shift. 

I had a job coach support me when I started, they helped me learn the role, and talk to my manager if need any help. Now I am doing my job independently.

What difference has it made having a job? It has made a lot of difference. I am now out of the house and I am earning my own money, it has really helped me with my confidence. 

To anyone thinking about finding a job and working with a job coach, I would say: “Just go for it!”” 

It has been a great process for Blue Badge too, here’s what Krista, Business Administrator at Blue Badge had to say: 

“It has been a real pleasure working with both Laura and Elizabeth [Laura’s Job Coach] at Sixteen Co-op. The hiring process couldn’t have been easier and as we are a company who support and champion diversity in the workplace, we feel very lucky to be able to work alongside such a wonderful enterprise and be able to support Laura in her journey.” 

Congratulations Laura!