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A Newry employer engagement initiative, run in partnership between Bolster Community and St Paul's High School, Bessbrook is creating work experience opportunities for young people with special educational needs preparing to leave school.
During the programme, Bolster Community worked with Newry sportswear brand Playr-Fit to offer a six-week placement for Oisín, a school-leaver-age student at St Paul's High School. Joining the Playr-Fit team one day a week, Oisín spent each Tuesday gaining hands-on experience in a working environment.
During his placement, Oisín worked alongside the company's graphic design team, contributing to a range of creative projects. These included helping to design jerseys, producing ideas for social media graphics and, more recently, creating a comic-style illustration telling the story of what Playr-Fit does as a company.
The placement has proven to be a positive experience for all involved. A member of the Playr-Fit team said: "Oisín has become a real character in the office. Every Tuesday the energy lifts when he arrives. He's incredibly creative and enthusiastic about the projects he's involved in, and it's been fantastic watching his confidence grow."
Oisín has also become part of the day-to-day culture at Playr-Fit. Earlier this month, the office marked his birthday together, with Oisín making sure everyone had cake.
Playr-Fit would strongly encourage other companies to consider taking part in similar initiatives, pointing to the benefits the experience has brought to staff and the wider workplace.
Bolster Community said the initiative demonstrates the importance of inclusive employer engagement and the role businesses can play in supporting young people with additional needs as they move from school into the workplace. The organisation is encouraging other businesses in the Newry area to get involved and consider offering similar placements.
By connecting schools, students and local employers, Bolster Community aims to create opportunities that build confidence, develop skills and benefit both the young people and the organisations that welcome them.
