The BBC have done it again.
Employ me is a series that follows people with disabilities trying to find employment.
This week was all about two gentleman, on with Tourettes and the other who was autistic and the challenges that they face when looking for work that is suitable.
It was a fascinating programme and helped to show how if we think differently about our approach to recruitment, we can gain talent we would have previously overlooked.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/employ-me
Did anyone else see this? If so what did you think?
All the best
Sarah
Replies
Hi Sarah,
I must have caught a repeat episode of the programme (Employable Me?) and stumbled across it on the BBC after reading your recommendation...
What an excellent programme!!...I admit to partially closing my eyes when the one young chap took to tree surgery as a potential career path...all those incredibly dangerous power tools in the context of the challenges he lives with daily...but the follow up comment noted that he is now at college studying tree surgery etc. so more power to him!
A really challenging, insightful programme and a timely reminder, as HR professionals, to keep thinking outside the box...
Shaun
Hi Shaun
I must admit I was watching from behind my fingers when he was using the blade to cut the tree, it really made me think about what talent companies miss out on because of prejudice in terms of what we think individuals with disabilities would be capable of.
Enlightening stuff highly recommend if you get the chance to watch on playback.
All the best
Sarah
I haven't watched the show however I have personally had experience with working with mind (if I remember right) with a young gent whom had cerebral palsy.Mind contacted us to see if he could do work experience a few hours a week to see what he thought of the working environment and to help him gain employment. The gent was brilliant and did enjoy his time with us however on his part he did decide the role wasn't suitable for him at the time due to the physical demands. As a manager it did open my eyes to understanding a little more of how people feel when certain opportunities are not an option for them for whatever reason that may be. It was great working with mind too and his support worker. I gained a lot personally from that experience too and saw it as a great initative. I feel as a manager at an 'in house level' that time not enough training gets delivered in reguards to recruiting people with disabilities etc, I do believe there is roles in the workplace for everyone more should be done on a company level to enforce and promote this.
Thanks for sharing I watched it on Thursday really enlightening and It has made me think a lot about diversity.
Really great programme would highly recommend people watch!
All the best
Sarah
I watched this programme and found it really interesting. It was great to see Brett's determination to continue to apply for positions, but not only that, once he got the work trial he really showed key skills such as his proactive ability for problem solving and how quickly he learns tasks.
I absolutely agree with you that it shows that you can miss talented individuals.
Thanks
Jaspreet