The Trust and the Department for Employment and Learning have developed partnerships with supported employment providers, to place, train, maintain and progress adults with learning disabilities in vocational opportunities. The majority of participants have the goal of achieving an active working life through supported employment.

The supported employment provider assesses the individual’s needs, and places the participant into a vocational opportunity. Initially a job coach will accompany the participant to help them contribute effectively to the workforce.

The initiative helps people with significant disabilities to access real jobs, in a real work environment, with ongoing support.

Supported employment can vary, depending on what the participant’s likes and dislikes are. The progress of this opportunity is continually monitored through the Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities Programme.