Former Hive College student, Reece Howells is celebrating his first full year in the working world, challenging the shocking statistic that only 5% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment.
Hive College in Erdington caters for students with disabilities and different learning difficulties needs aged from 19 – 25, offering a range of programmes for people with disabilities levels. Reece attended the college between 2021 and 2024 on the Live Programme, which is for students with moderate learning difficulties, supporting them to move into paid work through work placements and supported Internships.
In 2023, the college worked with Serco Leisure and Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT) to secure Reece a year-long internship, working across the nine leisure centres the partnership operates on behalf of Birmingham City Council. Reece’s work experience year was a success, but that isn’t always a guarantee of paid employment - the 5% stat bears that out, but when a vacancy came up at Northfield Leisure Centre on the cleaning team, Reece was encouraged to apply.
He’d never had an interview before, but the Hive Team expertly supported him through the process, so he was well prepared for what lay ahead. Ruth Martin, Placements Coordinator at Hive College said: “The Hive have loved working with Serco Leisure and BCLT over the last couple of years.
“Their staff have gone above-and-beyond to support our students; providing work placements, taking part in college events and of course, Reece's job offer! We are all so proud of what Reece has achieved.
“He worked incredibly hard during his year-long internship and proved to Serco Leisure that he had the skills and attitude needed to be an excellent employee. Due to their lack of formal qualifications, many of our students struggle to get to interview stage but Serco Leisure and BCLT recognise the potential in young people with disabilities and are willing to help our learners achieve their aspirations of paid work.
“We look forward to continuing to link up with Serco Leisure and BCLT to change that awful statistic of less than 5% of adults with learning disabilities in paid work.” Gary Tempest, General Manager for BCLT, who works with Hive College on work placements and was part of the interview panel on Reece’s big day, added: “Quite simply, Reece was the best candidate we interviewed.
“We already knew he had a great work ethic, but he’d clearly prepared well for his interview and stood out as the best person for the job. I can honestly say that working with Hive College and supporting their students into work placements at our centres has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career.”
Final word to Reece: “I love it here! You get a free membership just for working at the centre. My mum and dad are really proud of me!
“I feel lucky to have got this job. Thank you to my manager Hannah Smith, to Gary and everyone at Hive College!” Established in 2015, the trust works in partnership with Birmingham City Council to revitalise the city's sport and leisure centres and offer value for money leisure services.
Their vision is the creation and maintenance of a first-class range of healthy leisure and recreational activities and facilities to serve all parts of the community.
