Disability Inclusion Academy recruits its first graduate

Ashley, Ella and Jack are the first three graduates to complete the Disability Inclusion Academy and have all been interviewed for possible first jobs at the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site. 

The Disability Inclusion Academy is a collaborative effort between Sacyr UK and the National Diversity Employment and Advisory Service (NDEAS). The initiative supports people who have been out of work due to a disability by providing opportunities for them to take a first step into a career in the construction industry.

The two-week programme invites trainees to learn the basics of the construction industry. Once completed, at least one of the trainees was guaranteed a position with Sacyr UK on the nVCC project team – even though all have been interviewed for posts.

Ashley was the first graduate to be offered a role at Sacyr UK and his mum Sarah had his to say: “Ashley struggled in school and was recently diagnosed with autism. He left with few qualifications and very little confidence. My sister heard about the academy and put me in touch with Hannah, who is on the social value team at nVCC. After a simple questionnaire, Dan from NDEAS called, shared his story, and accepted Ashley onto the programme."

“He was very nervous on his first day, but he hasn’t looked back. By day two Ashley was coming home excited about what he’d learned, talking about Dan and his new friends and by day three he was confidently catching the train on his own. For Ashley to be offered a job is wonderful as it’s on his own merits. They’ve seen his potential, and just being offered the role has boosted his confidence sky high.”

Ashley will now begin his role as Academy Support Assistant carrying out administrative tasks linked to the individual training academies. His responsibilities include managing spreadsheets and internal systems, coordinating programme information and sharing best practice across the academy.