Direct Employment Team

This page is known as: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/employment-team

The Direct Employment Team help people with disabilities access and sustain employment. Specialist advisers offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including; benefits, housing, condition management, job application techniques, negotiating with employers and in-work support.

Workstep provides support and jobs for disabled people. The programme offers a range of support mechanisms that develop and improve job skills and employability.

Contact: 0121 303 4293 for Direct Employment Team or email TrainingAndEmploymentServices@birmingham.gov.uk

For Workstep, telephone 0121 303 2700.

FCX Truflo Marine manufacture highly specialised systems for naval and marine applications in submarines and warships. Trainee Karl Bishop said: "I have worked at the company for over twelve years as a goods inward clerk, which is a lot of responsibility, you really need to concentrate". With support on hand from DET when needed, Karl has gone from strength to strength in the job.

Karl is very highly thought of at the company, with an excellent attendance, timekeeping and sickness record. Tony Maxwell, Stores Manager said: "He is a good reliable lad - a great thing about Karl is that he knows the name of everyone here."

Karl is a very independent person, and has recently bought his own apartment. He said: "I have a great social life, I'm on the Walsall PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied club) committee, and I'm a season ticket holder for the Albion."

Anthony Flood has worked part time at Gap for two years, having previously worked in factories and done other odd jobs.

He is much more comfortable in retail work; having started in the stock room, he now works on the shop floor. "I really enjoy working with customers and have a good rapport with them. Some customers get to know me and make a point of coming back to me." He has gained experience in most areas of the store, and is next looking forward to working on the tills

Anthony likes to keep fit for the job by going to the gym in his spare time.

For more information email TrainingAndEmploymentServices@birmingham.gov.uk. To apply, please fill in the application form.