Guernsey Employment Trust & Go Announces Successful Placement Into Workplace

Alex Cook, an autistic individual who has been an employee on placement at GO from GET for 15 years as a Lead Cashier in Retail, has now transitioned to full-time employment outside GO as a delivery driver for a local sandwich bar. With the right support, Alex has proven he has many transferrable skills.

When paying for items at the GO shop, many of GO's customers may recognise Alex, as he may have served them before.

GO [both uppercase], Guernsey’s training, recycling and upcycling charity, and GET, the Guernsey Employment Trust, who support disabled and neurodiverse people to prepare for, find and maintain work in Guernsey are pleased to announce one of their placements has successfully entered the workplace.

GO has a strong partnership with its partners at GET, who are experts in placing people back into work.  As part of the placement process with GET and onboarding to GO as trainees, they have the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to transition to full-time employment.

Neurodiversity at play in the workplace

Finding a suitable job can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. People with autism, for instance, may approach things differently than others, but they often possess remarkable attention to detail and memory skills, which can contribute to improving accuracy and correcting errors that would have gone unnoticed. Moreover, individuals with autism tend to be highly devoted and loyal to their workplace.

Despite an increasing push for employers to embrace neurodiversity in the workforce, many remain hesitant to support employees with autism.  This could be due to a lack of awareness about the valuable potential of neurodiverse individuals, misconceptions about the costs of employing them, and a lack of understanding of their unique skill sets.

Alex in the workplace - quotes

• “We at GO are delighted that Alex is finding employment,” commented Chris Murphy, GO’s general manager. “GET is proving very important in helping some of our trainees find work. We wish Alex well and celebrate his success with him.”
• “I never doubted Alex had the skills to find and maintain paid employment. All he needed, and all anyone needs, is the opportunity.” – Rick Robinson, GET
• “I really enjoy my new driving and delivery role and am lucky to work for such a supportive employer”, commented Alex, who has now successfully found work.

GO is thrilled Alex has secured his employment. We are confident that Alex's hard work and dedication will continue to shine in his new role. All the best, Alex!

Note:

• GO’s website is at www.gocharity.gg 
• GET is www.get.org.gg.

For further information, please contact Michael Sheen at GO on 07839 200050 and Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis on 07839 106406.