Work experience for pupils with sight problems

17 October 2006

RNIB Cymru is holding a work experience event on 18th October 2006 at the Glamorgan Cricket Club.  The event will focus on work experience for pupils with sight problems.  The keynote speaker will be Christine Chapman AM, Deputy Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills and Local Government.

Work experience is the first opportunity for young people to interact with the adult world of employment. It is vital that it is a worthwhile, valuable experience that motivates them to plan for further and higher education and, ultimately, employment. This is particularly important for young people with sight problems as currently 75% of blind and partially sighted adults of working age are unemployed (RNIB, 2004). 

The Welsh Assembly Government expects work-focused experience to 'provide opportunities for learners to improve their knowledge and understanding of, and skills for, the world of work, enterprise and entrepreneurship based largely on learning by doing' (Learning Pathways
14-19 Guidance, section 1.4).  It sees business and industry as playing an important part in the learning core for all 14-19 year olds in Wales.
However recent research, to be released at the event by RNIB Cymru, suggests that there are significant barriers for blind and partially sighted students that prevent them participating in work related experience on a par with their sighted peers.  These surround access to equipment, access to support, attitudes of employers and readiness for work skills of the students themselves. 

Ruth Marks, Director of RNIB Cymru, said: 'This important event will explore the challenges around making work experience placements successful for both employers and young people with sight problems.  We hope to open a dialogue with all parties concerned and find a way to work together to improve this important opportunity for our young people'.

The conference will be of interest to Employers, Careers officers, Teachers, Young People, Parents and Policy makers.