Nathan escapes to prison job with help from Remploy
20th March 2008
Nathan Williams with his guide dog AbbottNathan, 41, has very limited vision, after completely losing the sight in one eye when he was a young man. While receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance he got in touch with Remploy, the UK’s leading provider of employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions.
Having previously worked as a telephonist, Nathan told his Remploy employment advisor that he wanted to get back to similar work, but was prepared to consider other opportunities.
He explained: “I had literally given up hope of finding the job that I wanted. I had applied for lots of jobs but many organisations simply didn’t respond to the applications. This was very de-motivating.”
Working with the locally-based Remploy advisor, Nathan was helped with job searches and completing applications forms. He was encouraged to apply for a job as an office administrator and telephonist with Her Majesty’s Prison Service’s offices, based at Cleppa Park, Newport.
After he was selected for an interview, Remploy worked closely with the organisation to help make adjustments to the interview process that suited Nathan’s limited vision.
Remploy’s Melanie Price said: “The Prison Service was extremely accommodating. Nathan uses specialist computer software so he can read the screen. The organisation provided us with the recruitment aptitude test so that it could be uploaded onto his computer to be completed.”
Success followed and Nathan is now accompanied in work every day by his guide dog, Abbott. His role involves taking calls from employees and potential employees of the Prison Service, in which he provides information on training and recruitment to people throughout the UK.
Nathan added: “I am really enjoying my role. It’s very different to anything I have done before. No two days are the same and I am constantly taking a variety of calls - which is great.”
Natalie Land from Her Majesty’s Prison Service in Newport added: “Nathan and Abbott have settled into their roles extremely well. Nathan has built good relationships within the organisation and is an excellent team player. Nathan turns his hand to everything that is asked of him without hesitation.”
