Training

Training with us!

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• Training Information
• Real Life Stories

Forward 4 Work work with people who have mental health problems, learning difficulties or physical or sensory disabilities to support them into quality employment and training. It is made up of a number of projects and teams, located across the city, working in different areas of employment and training, but all working towards creating routes into worthwhile employment and suitable for people with a disability.

What training can you get at EPT?

The EPT offers lots of different kinds of work training such as:
• Catering
• Manufacturing Assembly
• Horticulture
• Ground Maintenance
• Retail
• Floristry
• Office Admin

What breaks will I get?

There is a morning tea/coffee break for 15 minutes.

Lunch break is either at 12.00 till 12.45 or 12.45 till 1.30pm

What time you have your lunch depends on which section you are on.

Restaurant

There is a restaurant on site where you can buy a meal if you want and get a hot or cold drink.

Transport

The EPT does not provide transport, you must organise and pay your own way to the unit using public transport.

Protective Clothing

The EPT will provide protective clothing and shoes/boots, but there may be a small charge for them.

Because of the sort of work we do at EPT it is a good idea to have your tetanus injection up to date.

Some trainees use Ring and Ride and Taxis

First Aid

There are people in the unit who will help you if you get hurt. (First Aiders)

You must first report to the nearest instructor when you hurt yourself, they will get or send you a First Aider if you need one.

They will treat your injuries and write it down in the accident book.

Social Events at EPT

The EPT has social events such as Discos. They are held at the local Social Club.

There are a number of different, exciting events that take place throughout the year. You will get to hear about them while you are training at EPT.

Every year we have a big 'Awards Ceremony' where some trainees are given certificates for gaining accredited qualifications or for getting
a job.

Real life stories An example of how Forward 4 Work helped local resident, Christopher Mortlock to get a job at Tesco, Aston. Christopher has a learning disability that manifests itself as a difficulty in receiving and retaining instructions and occasional Tourette outbursts. Aged 24, he had never previously worked until he came to Forward 4 Work where he undertook two work placements at Homebase and Brumcan. Specialist support from Employment Development Officer Ken MacTaggart supported both Chris and the employer to ensure a smooth start to Chris’s working life.
	Chris said “I got my job at Tesco’s with lots of help from Ken and other staff at Forward 4 Work. I was very nervous to start with and don’t think I would have got the job without their help”.
As an example of an employment outcome already achieved we have Jerome, a young man in his early 20s who has a learning disability and a sensory impairment, who lives in Birmingham. Forward 4 Work provided him with full training and qualification outcomes leading to employment with the hospitality industry within the public sector. Through Forward 4 Work Jerome now has an Employment Development Officer to support him and to provide a helping hand with any difficulties he faces.
	“Training at Savilles restaurant with Forward 4 Work gave me the skills and confidence to get my own flat and I now work every week for the Stroke Association, it changed my life” Jerome Chen-Bacchus Trainee

Making friends here is easy!
Making Friends Forward 4 Work provides a friendly, welcoming environment, where people who wish to train and get a job enjoy the opportunities available. Part of being at Forward 4 Work is about gaining the independence and assertiveness to make choices about what type of job you want. Forward 4 Work also gives you the chance to meet new people, learn new ideas and make new friends.