Member Article

Beaumont College South Lakes achieves remarkable success in employment outreach for young people with diverse abilities

Beaumont College South Lakes in Ulverston, which is committed to empowering young people with diverse abilities, has achieved significant success in its employment outreach programme. All 17 young individuals currently enrolled at the college have successfully secured placements with local employers, marking a milestone in their journey towards independence. The placements, which exemplify the college’s commitment to inclusive education, encompass a variety of local businesses and community organisations. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Tesco, a prominent supermarket chain; a local children’s nursery; St Mary’s Hospice, renowned for its compassionate care; and Cando FM, a dynamic community radio station based in Barrow-in-Furness. One outstanding success story from Beaumont College South Lakes is 20-year-old Kian Lamb, who is actively involved in producing content for Cando FM. With access to professional equipment, he has been diligently working on scriptwriting, recording, and broadcasting, enhancing his skills and contributing to the local community radio station. This inspiring achievement sets the stage for 19-year-old Kian Powell to soon join him in this exciting endeavour. Another standout success has been Alfie Williams, a 20-year-old who has thrived in his role at Tesco to such an extent that he is actively seeking additional hours. Alfie’s dedication and competence exemplify the immense potential that young individuals with diverse abilities possess when given the opportunity to shine in the workplace. Such placements are a testament to the incredible journey of personal growth undertaken by these young individuals, who face various challenges, including Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and learning difficulties. Through these opportunities, they have not only applied the functional and life skills imparted by Beaumont College South Lakes but also demonstrated remarkable initiative, collaboration, teamwork, and a profound sense of pride in their work. Tesco Store Manager David Jones said: “Communities are is key to our purpose at Tesco and working together with partners is central to strengthening our local community. It has been a positive experience working in partnership and providing work placement for the students at Beaumont College; it is a privilege to support the students to develop essential employability skills fit for the future”.
Cando FM Station Manager Jonny Williams said: “We are delighted to host young people from Beaumont College. We hope that their time at CANDOFM will help them turn differences into strengths and prove that potential isn’t defined by convention, but by the passion to broadcast their unique voices.” Lorraine Jones Beaumont College South Lakes Lead Tutor said: “As Lead Tutor, at Beaumont College South Lakes, I maintain ambition to develop education where the student experience, employability and community are central. “I am immensely proud of the increased partnerships, with diverse employers and local business’, and, as such, students at South Lakes campus learn through real-life employment settings and experiences.
“Our students develop the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours in preparation for adulthood, employment and independent living, as well as community participation.” Salutem Care and Education invested nearly £250,000 in establishing a new college campus. This state-of-the-art facility provides an ideal environment for students to follow the Preparing for Adulthood curriculum, fostering independence and nurturing their individual talents. Formerly housed in rented rooms within a school in Barrow, Beaumont College South Lakes now proudly resides on the ground floor of Lightburn House in Ulverston, offering an enhanced learning environment and greater opportunities for personal development. Beaumont College South Lakes remains dedicated to its mission of empowering young individuals with diverse abilities and looks forward to expanding its outreach to provide even more opportunities for personal and professional growth in the future.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .