The Gloucester-based installer Allcooper Fire and Security welcomed Luke Coulston Jenkins, a student from the National Star College, into their office on Tuesday March 11. The visit was in aid of the 30/30 challenge, part of the Grow Gloucestershire campaign. Luke joined the IT department for the day, assisting staff with help desk enquiries, checking stock, sorting the software archive and re-connecting PCs and IT equipment.
Although diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum, Luke is a bright student who learns quickly. As a confident user of IT who frequently supports other learners at the college, he was a welcome addition the firm says.
I.T. Manager, Hugo Grimes said: “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Luke, who is a very polite and friendly individual. He managed to adapt to the office environment quickly and worked well within our team. We hope Luke enjoyed the experience as much as we did!”
Chief Executive Roman Cooper added: “We were very happy to take part in the 30/30 challenge by offering Luke a day’s work experience. The initiative is hugely rewarding for all parties involved and allows students the opportunity to get a real taste of a working environment. This experience will prepare students for future employment and allow them to make more informed decisions.”
The 30/30 challenge aims to offer young people, between 14 and 18 who have a learning disability, a day’s work experience. This initiative asks local businesses to provide valuable work experience to young people with learning disabilities so they can consider their career options before they leave school.
Jenny Burke, a tutor at the National Star College said: “We would like to thank everyone at Allcooper for taking part in the challenge. We have been really impressed with the professional and friendly service they gave us. Luke really enjoyed his time at Allcooper and found it invaluable to experience a real life working environment.”
Visit www.allcooper.com
