Remploy adds value to disabled accounts clerk
2nd October 2007
Matt Dowson (front) gets to grips with the paperwork, with Peter Danckwardt’s support– the UK’s leading provider of employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions.
Matt Dowson, 33, was an electrician by trade before a serious accident forced him to reconsider his career. Matt fell from a roof, shattering his heels and ankles and breaking his back and both legs. After three months in hospital and a further six months learning how to walk again, Matt was unprepared for the further struggle he would face in finding employment.
“I knew I needed to learn new skills and tried a number of avenues before completing a nine-month book keeping and accounts course at Queen Elizabeth’s specialist training college in Leatherhead,” said Matt.
“The trouble was that I had no work experience in accounts – and as soon as some employers realised I still needed to use a wheelchair most of the time, they were worried about accessibility issues.”
Countless knock-backs followed and as Matt submitted his 80th job application he despaired of ever being given a chance. A referral from Jill Kindynis at Purley Jobcentre Plus put Matt in touch with Remploy’s team in Croydon – and firmly back on the road to work.
Matt attended Remploy job action groups at Croydon Library where he was given advice on completing application forms and interview techniques. Employment advisor Keith Gurney worked with Matt to build his confidence and make the most of each application. Through an existing working relationship with Croydon College, Keith supported Matt’s application to the finance department and Matt was soon the latest recruit to the purchasing team.
“I attended the job group in the morning, went through a mock interview, and then went to the college interview in the afternoon,” continues Matt. “I was thrilled when they told me the next morning that I’d got the job – and Keith immediately set up a pre-job start meeting for us all to ensure everything went smoothly. The department rearranged a couple of desks to allow space for my wheelchair but there were no major adaptations required.
“The team I work in is great and the job is everything I could have hoped for.”
Matt is now part of the busy team that processes the college’s purchases, logs invoices and negotiates tenders. Purchasing officer, Peter Danckwardt added: “Matt’s disability is simply not an issue to us. He’s performing well in a busy and responsible role and by merely moving a bit of furniture we’ve benefited from a motivated and talented new team member.”
Matt is also an active member of the local community and runs the local activity club for six to eight year olds. He has four children and lives with his partner in Coulsdon.
Remploy’s Croydon team has just moved into a new facility at Delta Point on Wellesley Road from which they will be running regular job action groups and vocational development programmes. Specialist employment advisors are available to offer advice and assistance to job seekers with disabilities or health conditions. Contact Keith Gurney on 07977 436056 for further information.
