David Tredinnick MP gave the seal of approval today to a National Grid scheme that is helping students from Hinckley’s Dorothy Goodman Academy prove their worth in the workplace.
The local Member of Parliament learned about the EmployAbility scheme during his visit to National Grid Gas Distribution’s Hinckley site. Four teenagers from Dorothy Goodman – Liam, Josh, Jake and Alec – have joined the company as interns, gaining valuable experience of the world of work.
The scheme, which is now in its third year, is specially designed to help students with learning needs and disabilities to find employment. It offers year-long internships, where the teenagers can experience working across a number of areas, from data collection and communications to catering and reception.
David Tredinnick said: “I was very pleased to visit National Grid in Hinckley and it is a matter of local pride that such an important facility is based here.
“The company’s engagement with an excellent local school like Dorothy Goodman is a fantastic initiative, which through its EmployAbility scheme gives a wide range of workplace opportunities to a number of young people.
“I was also extremely impressed by National Grid staff and their capacity to react to any situation, including emergencies.”
The Bosworth MP was taken on a tour of the Hinckley site, which employs some 2,000 people. The main operations hub for National Grid Gas Distribution, employees help to deliver gas to 11 million homes and businesses across the Midlands, East Anglia, the North West and North London.
He witnessed, first hand, the work of the staff operating the National Gas Emergency number. Trained operators calmly and professionally handle hundreds of thousands of calls every year from people concerned about gas leaks and potentially dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
Richard Walsh, National Grid’s Public Affairs Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Tredinnick to our Hinckley Operations Centre. At Hinckley we play a critical role in delivering gas to millions of people across the country.
“We were proud to be able to show Mr Tredinnick how our staff, many of whom live within his constituency, were making such an important contribution to keeping British homes warm and safe and British businesses successful.”