This session will consist of a 40 minute presentation and 20 minutes for questions and answers and is led by Vinny DeFalco
Work tasters provide individuals with the opportunity to explore different types of work, build confidence, develop skills and make informed career choices before moving into employment.
This lunch and learn session will explore why work tasters are such a valuable component of supported employment practice and how they can help individuals identify their strengths, preferences and employment goals. Participants will gain practical insights into arranging and facilitating meaningful work taster opportunities, engaging employers, and ensuring experiences are person centred.
Drawing on real world examples and supported employment practice, the session will highlight how work tasters contribute to better employment matches, increased confidence and more sustainable employment outcomes.
The session will also explore the differences between work tasters, work experience, work trials and volunteering opportunities, understanding purpose, benefits and potential outcomes of each approach.
Learning outcomes x 3: By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the role and value of work tasters in helping individuals make informed choices and develop confidence for employment.
2. Identify practical approaches for arranging and facilitating meaningful work taster opportunities with employers and other partners.
3. Recognise how work tasters contribute to person centred supported employment pathways and sustainable employment outcomes.
Who is the event suitable for:
• Supported employment practitioners
• Job coaches
• Educators and SENCos
• Careers and work experience coordinators
• Transition workers
• LA SEND and employment teams
• Employers interested in inclusive recruitment
About your trainer:
Vinny is an Inclusive Trading associate and the founder of Pathways to Potential, a coaching, consultancy and training organisation specialising in supporting disabled and neurodivergent people to successfully navigate transitions into adulthood and employment.
With 20 years’ experience across education, supported employment and disability inclusion, Vinny has designed and led innovative employment programmes, supported internship initiatives and transition pathways that have helped hundreds of young people and adults to move towards meaningful and sustainable employment. She is passionate about creating person-centred opportunities that enable individuals to explore their strengths, interests and aspirations through real-world experiences.