Telegraph & Argus came to visit

Earlier in the month we (and the other companies in our building) were interviewed by the Telegraph and Argus.

You can read the whole article here: Eclectic mix of businesses bring empty building back to life | Bradford Telegraph and Argus (thetelegraphandargus.co.uk)

But our feature with Roxanne and an intern can be read below:

Coleman Training – an organisation providing training for young adults aged between 16 and 25 with learning disabilities and neurodiversity, was one of the first tenants of the building.

Founder Roxy Coleman said: “We work to get young people into independent and sustainable employment.

“We have a one or a two-year programme. The first year we reduce barriers and anxiety for young people. The second year is mainly work experience.”

She said the organisation provided the bridge many young people needed to get into work.

In Bradford, there were 1,600 people over the age of 16 with educational health and care plans, she said. Of these, 1,200 are deemed suitable for employment. However, there are only 74 supported apprenticeship places available for people with EHCPs in Bradford.

The organisation gives young people support at a pivotal moment in their lives, when they realise they are able to move forward with a career despite any barriers they may have faced.

Levi, a 20-year-old who has been supported by the organisation, said he had previously been in college, but felt he wasn’t making the progress he wanted. He said: “Here they treated me like I’m a normal person. I got loads of work experience opportunities at different places. It has really helped my confidence.”

• Thank you, Telegraph & Argus!