Tenth year celebrating the people breaking down barriers to employment
Inspirational adults who have overcome challenges to find meaningful employment, were celebrated at an awards ceremony at County Hall in Oxford last night (Tuesday 16 April).
Hosted by Oxfordshire County Council, the event recognises the people taking part in the local authority’s Oxfordshire Employment programme, that helps individuals with long-term health issues or a disability to find and retain work.
Karen Fuller, Oxfordshire County Council’s Corporate Director of Adult Social Care, said: “Our Oxfordshire Way vision looks to support people to live well and independently within their own communities and having a meaningful job can play a big part in this.
“Meaningful employment is something everyone should be able to achieve, but barriers can exist that can lead to people with additional needs feeling excluded from the workplace.
“While our Oxfordshire Employment programme helps to break down these barriers, it’s the skills and determination of the people looking for work that makes the real difference.
“I congratulate all the people who have been recognised and wish them all the success for the future.”
The awards are now into their tenth year and at last night’s ceremony, seven adults were celebrated for their achievements in finding and retaining employment. They included Wolff Skevos-Jones who was named County Print Finishers’ Employee of the Year, and Bradley Milsom who won the Oxfordshire Supported Intern of the Year award.
A special award was also presented to Michael Jackman (pictured on the left), who has been working for the council’s commercial print company, County Print Finishers, for 45 years.
Michael joined the workforce when it was called B&H Industries and has remained a key member of the team ever since. He currently leads the packing operations as well as being involved in the entire production system.
He was awarded his prize by Ruth Shepherd from the Department for Work and Pensions (pictured on the right), for a lifetime of commitment, achievement and for being an amazing advocate for the benefits of supported employment.
Michael said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time working at County Print Finishers. It’s more than just a job to me and I’m really proud to have received this award.”
Oxfordshire County Council has been providing supported employment for almost 80 years, giving adults who may have previously struggled to gain a job the opportunity to get vital work experience and support them to find and retain stable employment.
Oxfordshire Employment is the councils’ programme that offers this support and operates as a go-between to match people with potential employers, as well as providing additional support including preparation for job interviews and advice about ways to retain employment.
The programme works closely with the council’s commercial print company, County Print Finishers, which can help provide the first steps into paid employment.
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