The Work Experience Programme or Work Programme, as it was originally called when it was established in 1991, is somewhat unique to WindReach. It was started to provide opportunities for people with special needs to directly support a small core of WR staff. WindReach staff place a very high level of dependency on these Work Experience Participants.

In terms of day to day operations, the responsibility for getting things done falls in a very simple order - staff, work experience participants and volunteers

A few key highlights of the Work Experience Participant include;

• Key part of our mission
• The WindReach commitment to the participants
• The on going personal growth and hope for each and every participant
• Viewed as part of our work force
• WR expects a strong commitment from our Work Experience Participants
• Work Experience Participants have a sense of pride and belonging at WindReach
• WindReach takes an interest in their personal development
• Participants are continually challenged with new opportunities and tasks
• Focus on life skills, work ethic and attitude
• On going evaluation of work
• Ability of WindReach to provide work experience record and recommendation

One of the most fundamental reasons for the Work Experience Programme is to guard against a simple situation that happens time and time again, even sometimes at WindReach - people with special needs are just not given the opportunity to do a job themselves because of the age old pressure of "just get it done". All too often opportunities are taken away or simply not even offered. This can range from simple day to day tasks to much larger decisions and projects. WindReach, through the can do attitude of Work Experience Programme, strives to make sure the opportunity is always there and that the contribution is significant.

If you are interested in learning more about our Work Experience Programme, please contact us. Please note that participant opportunities are limited.