The ACL Essex Supported Learning team has been helping people with learning difficulties gain confidence and qualifications. These provide routes into work. ACL Essex have recently helped a supported learner, Reece, move into paid employment.
ACL Essex is celebrating its learners on their Supported Learning programme. Over the past 12 months, learners have gained new skills and built self-confidence. The courses have helped learners to take positive steps towards independence, further study and long-term employment.
One learner now celebrating success is Reece Dalsania. Reece has progressed into paid work following two years of supported learning from ACL Essex.
Reece has completed courses in Wellbeing, Digital Skills and Volunteering Skills during his time at ACL Essex. These programmes helped him develop both practical and employability skills. They have helped him to move closer to his career goals.
Reece said: “I enrolled on the Volunteering Skills course to learn more about different volunteering roles and how to look for them. While at ACL, I learned important skills such as customer service. I’ve been able to use those skills in my volunteering roles in charity shops. I also had support in developing my CV, applying for jobs and interview skills.”
ACL’s support, plus his own commitment to learning, has helped Reece secure paid employment with Town and Country Cleaners. He is based at ECL Chapter House in Maldon.
Reece is successfully balancing his cleaning job alongside volunteering positions too. Reece also continues his learning through ACL’s ‘Wellbeing in the Workplace’ course. He is demonstrating a clear commitment to personal development and sustained employment.
Reece said he is settling in well: “I’m getting on really well in my role. My inclusive employment coach supported me when I first started. Now I’m working on my own. The company has been very flexible and happy to work around things with me.”
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, welcomed Reece’s achievement: “Learning isn’t only about gaining qualifications. As Reece’s story shows, it’s about unlocking potential and building confidence. These create opportunities that can transform lives. The supported learning that ACL offers gives small steps that help to achieve big goals.”
ACL Essex’s Supported Learning courses for people with learning disabilities are designed to build confidence. They also give independence and develop essential workplace skills. In turn, these help learners prepare for employment or further study. Reece’s journey shows how supported learning can help individuals achieve long-term aspirations.
For more information about ACL Essex Supported Learning courses, visit www.aclessex.com/supported-learning.
