There’s some great news from our team in Norfolk.
Robert, who is supported by PSS Shared Lives Norfolk, has got himself a part-time paid role at King’s Lynn recycling centre after completing a 12-week work placement.
Robert came into Shared Lives with his carer, Joy, through the Moving on Together service, where Joy was originally his foster carer until he turned 18. Since then, he’s been building his skills and confidence in lots of different ways.
He’s completed his level 2 in mechanics at college and volunteers every Saturday at his local British Heart Foundation shop. In his job he works with white goods, things like fridges, cookers and washing machines, making sure they’re safe to be resold. He loves understanding how things work and is even restoring an old washing machine at home.
Robert really enjoyed his placement
Robert recently spent 12 weeks on placement at King’s Lynn recycling centre. He was supported by his employment engagement lead, Luca, from adult social services, and by his carer Joy to get there every Monday.
While he was there, Robert learnt all about being a recycling adviser. He completed health and safety training, learnt how to use the booking system, spoke with customers and took payments in the reuse shop. He also got stuck into sorting waste, making sure everything went into the right compactor and could be recycled where possible.
His favourite part? Working with white goods – unloading them and getting them ready for recycling.
And the best bit… his hard work paid off.
At the end of the placement, Robert was offered a part-time paid role as a recycling adviser.
Robert said: ‘It feels good earning a wage. When you’re being paid, it makes you want to work more, and I really enjoy being part of the team. I don’t mind being out in bad weather, as I’m used to it when I go horse riding. It’s a physical job and I help move large domestic appliances when the public bring them in.
‘I enjoy working in the reuse shop, where a percentage of the sales go to Nelson’s Journey charity. I also enjoy booking vehicles in when they arrive at the recycling centre. I advise the public on how to dispose of their waste, making sure it goes in the correct bin or compactor.’
He's fitted in well with the team
Dan, area supervisor, said: ‘We had a few issues at the start, but with more one-to-one support we were able to resolve them. Robert has really gelled with the team. I am pleased to have you on board, Robert.’
Nathan, operations manager, said: ‘This is the first time I have been approached by Norfolk County Council during my time as operations manager to take on a work placement. I’m really happy with how it has gone, and thrilled that we were able to offer Robert part-time employment from it.
‘Norse Environmental Waste Services has 19 sites across Norfolk, including seven large sites like King’s Lynn and 12 smaller sites, some of which are only open part-time from Friday to Monday. I hope in the future we will be able to offer more work placements, as we can see the benefits they bring.’
