To celebrate the recent National Skills Week (August 27 to September 2) the Willing & Able Foundation launched a new product that has been made possible, thanks to the up-skilling of employees at the Foundation.
Christopher Dick, a valued employee for 25 years, has recently been trained to operate the new Tenoner machine in the Foundation’s Woodworking business.
Chris’s up-skilling has given him new work responsibilities and purpose, while also allowing the Foundation to adapt to the changing needs of their employees. Chris is extremely proud to be operating the new machine and pleased to have had the opportunity to increase his skills and work tasks.
Willing & Able Foundation is a provider of meaningful employment and personal growth opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in a safe and happy environment and recognises the importance of upskilling and training employees.
“People with an intellectual disability are very capable of learning and training. However, their learning is highly dependent on the competence and quality of instruction. The supported employee’s learning will often take longer and require systematic teaching methods and extra help, but the reward is extremely high,” said Karol O’Brien, General Manager of Willing and Able Foundation.
“Training employees to keep pace with changes in customer demand is vital for our business to succeed.”
The new skills learned by Mr Dick, coupled with new machinery, has broadened the business opportunities for the Foundation, expanding their hardwood products range.
Peter Fallon, the Woodwork section Supervisor said, “The Tenoner machine can process multiple work pieces in one pass, a process which is used in the production of our hardwood pegs for use in the building and concreting industries.
“We can now offer steel bands on the pegs. Producing this improved product increases their strength and means they can be recycled, thus saving on costs for our valued customers who continue to support our business.”
Willing & Able Foundation are presently reviewing further training for their supported employees to ensure each individual’s potential is given the best opportunity to contribute to their five businesses in the Hastings area.
