THE Zurich Academy has held its first graduation ceremony, writes Claudia Brand.
In a ceremony at the Zurich UK Life Centre in Swindon, five disabled people, who had joined the six-month work training scheme, were handed certificates for completing the course.
Now the graduates, who have a range of disabilities, are hoping to secure permanent jobs.
The Zurich Academy was launched last year by Zurich Financial Services and Remploy Interwork to provide work opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
One of those taking part, Victoria Slatter, said the key benefit of training had been the improved understanding of what she wants and needs from a job.
"Until I actually got back into the workplace," she said. "I wasn't sure of the skills I would need and the issues I might face as a disabled employee.
"The training and support has been invaluable and I am now very optimistic about my future career."
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