Maria Miller attended the ASPIRE Employment Event at Queen Mary College. ASPIRE is a service for young people aged 19-30 who have learning disabilities and would like to move into paid employment. Maria met jobseekers and their families and Carers and local employers and organisations active in supporting the ASPIRE project. Local employers at the event included Sainsbury’s, Game, Tesco and Q Hotels.
Local organisations such as Sovereign and Sentinel Housing Associations, Loddon Enterprises and The Shaw Trust were also there to offer support and advice and Job Centre Plus ran a desk detailing local job vacancies.
The event also celebrated the achievements of the young people who attend the Aspire Job Club which offers jobseekers practical advice and support such as interview practice and help with CVs.
Maria commented “It is wonderful to see the support offered to young people with learning disabilities in Basingstoke as they seek employment. People with learning disabilities can make an incredibly positive contribution to the workforce as a whole. Companies employing people with learning disabilities have highlighted their loyalty and enthusiasm as employees and demonstrated the strong business case for employing people with learning disabilities.”
“I congratulate Mencap on the Aspire Project and look forward to working with them in the future as we launch the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone, which will encourage local employers to sign up to a local “two Ticks” Charter offering people with Learning Disabilities both opportunities and support.”