Shop / Work Training

A work training project for individuals with learning difficulties.

Many people with learning difficulties want to work and be trained in work. However opportunities for realistic work experience, training and employment are limited. This is the main driving force behind the Guideposts shop in 18 High Street, Ware.

The Guideposts shop provides a realistic working environment, and has proved to be a very successful work training project, for adults with learning difficulties.

The students on placement in the shop have constant exposure to the public, and everyone handles cash and operates the cash register, with the appropriate level of support.

Our shop manager is a fully accredited NVQ Assessor in Retail, and as well as supervising the training of the adults with learning difficulties on placement in the shop, has successfully guided students through to gaining the NVQ Level I/II in Retail. The shop manager and assistant are ably supported by a team of volunteers.

Benefits to the students:

 Benefits of having a placement have been clearly identified. Work experience – learn all aspects of the retail trade including customer care and service, stock handling, ordering, window dressing and cash handling.

• Personal qualities such as punctuality, smart appearance and willingness to participate.
• Opportunity for students to gain NVQ Qualifications.

“It is a good way to learn about working in retail. I learnt how to use the till, pricing, serving the public and signing for goods.  It is a good way to start”.

                        Ernest

Shop  importance

The emphasis of this training is to move people on into paid work. In the past few years we have been successful in supporting individuals to achieve paid employment once they have completed their training in the shop.

People have found jobs with employers such as Marks & Spencer, Matalan and Tescos, and more recently a student has been successful in securing full time paid employment working on the shop floor in John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City.

Interested in applying for a place on the next student training intake, or in becoming a volunteer, or simply would like to know more about the shop?

Then please contact us at:

Guideposts Shop
18a High Street
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9BX
T: 01920 467111

or contact us at:

Guideposts Trust
Learning Disability Services
3-5 Cross Street
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 7AH
Tel 01920 484946
Fax 01920 469618
E-mail: guideposts.ware@guidepoststrust.org.uk