J's Apprenticeship

[pearl]

...he didnt get it.

 

The feedback was, he was one of the top scorers on the technical test, didnt do well in the group test (yet his group performed the best) they said he didnt join in much. Then at the interview he didnt expand enough on customer skills.

 

So thats that.

 

Bottom line, they just want normal kids don't they?

[bid]

Oh Pearl <'> <'>

 

So very sorry

 

Bid <'>

[Guest Lya of the Nox]

oh no

their loss

<'>

[bevalee]

<'> >< <'> very sorry!

[bikergal]

So sorry <'> <'> <'>

[forbsay]

Sorry to hear that - sending you both lots of hugs <'> <'>

[mumble_rocks]

Thats really disappointing! <'>

I am sure that the place your son applied for will soon regret turning your DS down!

It dont make it any easier though!

[Clare63]

Oh Pearl, I am so very very sorry, certainly their loss. I hope J has not taken it too badly. I imagine your are absolutely gutted.

<'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'>

Clare x x x

[pearl]

Hi, J on computer all evening, 1st chance I've had to get back. J isnt too bad & is already thinking about the next test ahead. He called the guy who turned him down a "balding fool"! (but not to his face)

 

They suggested he go more down the technical route rather than customer service, well chance would be a fine thing. Technicians jobs dont seem to come up v often & they mostly seem to be in high schools which would be Js idea of hell, he needs to work with grown ups.

 

I think we are more upset as he obviously doesnt see the bigger picture. At the mo I can just see this happening over & over - jump through hoops, pass the tests, get shortlisted, then get weeded out by inherently discriminatory interviews.

 

He's still on the apprenticeship programme so should in theory be offered other interviews. I'll ring them tomorrow. Plus theres the separate city council one - his test for that is on monday. They do seem much more clued in, they have agreed readily to adjustments, but I'm feeling v cynical at the mo & wonder is it all just a pr exercise so they dont get sued.

 

Thanks for all your good wishes, I so wish I could have had good news for you.

[hev]

pearl <'> <'> <'> i know how excited you were about this from previous posts,am so sorry he didnt get it but im sure he will get something,definately their loss <'> <'>

[bluejean-genie]

Hi Pearl and J,

so sorry that the news wasn't what you had wanted to hear but Good luck for the test on Monday

[Canopus]

The feedback was, he was one of the top scorers on the technical test, didnt do well in the group test (yet his group performed the best) they said he didnt join in much. Then at the interview he didnt expand enough on customer skills.

 

I was dreading this would happen. I know what these tests are like.

 

Bottom line, they just want normal kids don't they?

 

Good all rounders.

[Bagpuss]

Oh Pearl, I was so sorry to read your post <'>

[David Matthew Baker]

Sorry to hear he didn't get a place. It sounded as if he was doing so well too. <'> <'> <'>

 

We seem to get a fair number of technician jobs for our local university (Durham) advertised. However the science side of the university is very large here. Ours are advertised directly on the Uni's website. Might be worth having a look at your local Uni's site if you haven't already. Another thing that maybe worth looking into is whether the NAS prospects program runs in your area: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=621

 

Tell him to keep his head up (and try to yourself). Getting into a position that you like can take time. Just stick to his goals and eventually he'll make it. It took me over half a year before I managed to secure a place in a school. Might also be worthwhile sending some speculative letters to firms you think he would be happy working for. I was sceptical when it was suggested to me but that is how I got my first job in a school. If he can show he is enthusiastic about the area he wants to go into someone eventually will offer him a chance. Might also be worthwhile talking to any local charities who work with people with disabilities. They may be able to arrange him a voluntary placement. Once you have some experience it is far easier to find a job. Hope you manage to find him a job that suites him. All the best, David.

[Kathryn]

Pearl, sorry to hear this.

 

It's good that J isn't too demoralised by the disappointment. I hope Monday goes OK and brings better news.

 

K x

[pearl]

Thanks everyone.

David, I work in our local uni that was where the apprenticeship was. Mr pearl also said that about asking places on spec, it was how S got her TA's job. At the mo we are going with the next apprenticeship & will go the sending out cv route later on as we dont want him faced with too many rejections all at once. He's quite chipper now but fragile.

 

People with NT kids say to me, oh dont worry its only his 1st big interview, yes yes I know what they mean, but my colleague who has a grown up son with learning difficulties knew not to say that. She knew how much more was riding on it. My NT daughter hasnt had everything on a plate so far but I dont worry about her the same way.

 

Oh well,onwards & upwards. I think I might just walk into this guys office tomorrow & burst into tears no that should have read, ask for more feedback. I was talking to Dave & he said he thought J did fine in the group test, but fine for J, he knows how far he's come whereas they dont. He knew J hadnt elaborated enough on the customer question, but again thats part of his AS, & he answered every single question.

 

Tell you what tho, at least with twonkman at the college who was so obstructive, at least we knew he was hostile & ignorant. Its harder to suss out the people who say all the right things but still reject someone for the things they find difficult due to their disability. Its like they are ticking the boxes so they are seen to be equitable but when the chips are down theyll still choose the kid theyll have to do least work with.

 

Night all xx

[David Matthew Baker]

I think I should probably go to bed. My mind is obviously not working. I can recall you saying it was at your local uni now.

 

The job I was talking about was a TA job too. I was certain that you shouldn't send speculative letters to schools. My friend who works at one agreed with me too. I also know that my present job was got (partially because I'm from a science background (and the school is a science specialist so it score me some points and also) because I'd learnt what sort of answers they like to hear at interviews for TA positions.

 

Well night all.

[KarenT]

Sorry to hear this. He's worked so hard to get this far, and so have you.

 

Onwards and upwards though. It'll all count towards experience and he'll get something in the end. Keep on keepin' on, and good luck for the future!

 

Karen

x

[Bambi]

Im so sorry to hear the news Pearl sending u both lots of <'> >< <'> >< <'> >< <'>

 

It is their loss and im sure there will be something better for him out there.

 

Bambi x

[pearl]

Well I popped into the building next door today & interrupted the chair of the interview panels fag break, he thinks he's got a stalker! Asked for fuller feedback, he said he didnt think J was suited to a customer facing position (I did have my own reservations you may remember) but it still riled me that the reasons for rejecting him were things they should have known he'd find difficult.

 

They should have known because he assured me they had read the leaflet I gave them and "made allowances" - but it didnt make any difference did it? He really didnt know what to say when I pointed that out. He reiterated how good J was at the technical side (he was one of only 2 lads to spot all the computer problems) & says he wants to set up a techie apprenticeship, but who knows when as they are out of money now.

 

Oh well no point in obsessing about it, we have the next one on Monday. So far am more impressed with this set up but dont want to get our hopes up.

[stressedmumto2]

So sorry ot hear your's son didn't get the placement but who know's maybe Monday's one will be the one, wishing both of you lots of luck.

 

<'> <'>

[ellisisamazing]

Pearl, Gosh, I am so sorry! <'>

 

I hope JP is ok? Liked the 'balding fool' comment!

 

Fingers crossed for the next job! I expect this is harder for you than JP seeing him being rejected??!! You know where I am if you want a rant!

 

He has come a long way, Pearl. And with a brilliant, supportive and loving Mum like you, it will all come good!!

 

Love Lisa xxx

[Frangipani]

Pearl, sorry to hear this.

 

It's good that J isn't too demoralised by the disappointment. I hope Monday goes OK and brings better news.

 

K x

 

 

Hi Pearl, <'> wishing J all the best for Monday too sometimes that knock back can work for us..... makes us better and stronger next time round. Unfortunately, these days, you just have to keep persisting, keep believing, his turn will come.

 

One door closes another one always opens.

 

Thinking of you

 

F

[barefoot wend]

Pearl

 

I'm sorry, was keeping everything cossed - will continue to do so for next Monday.

 

Barefoot

[David Matthew Baker]

Am I correct in thinking if someone has any kind of disability but meet all the criteria that are asked for they have to be given an interview. If so they probably had to give him the interview as he easily met the criteria but still had reservations about his ability to cope in the position. It seems to be what happens to my mum too. Anyways hope this next interview goes better. At least it sounds like they would have taken him if it was a position that wasn't so focused on customer service. I'd try and take some pleasure in that as it shows that he did make a good impression. That is how I always have viewed that sort of feedback. Would perhaps be tempted to ask the person if there are any pointers that he could give for your son to work on though. I always liked the people who gave advice after interviews the most. Even if it was just the advice to keep trying. After all I was really lacking a require qualification for TA work nor did I have any relevent experience when I first started out trying for positions. Is a bit disheartening knowing you got so close though. Anyways once again I hope this next one goes well.

[Canopus]

Am I correct in thinking if someone has any kind of disability but meet all the criteria that are asked for they have to be given an interview.

 

Some public sector organisations operate this policy, but it is rare in the private sector. Mentioning an disability to a private sector organisation will almost certainly result in not getting an interview unless that organisation specifically says it welcomes disabled people.

[David Matthew Baker]

Thanks. I'll pass that onto my mum. So far I think she had normally mentioned it. She is only just back to the stage where they will allow her to try and work again (well that isn't quite true. Her GP still doesn't really think it is a good idea. The job centre and a company that specialises in helping people back into work are being fairly supportive though). Just to give you a bit of background (sorry for hijacking the thread a bit) when I was younger she had a breakdown and ended up in the Hospital for people with mental problems (can't think of a good way to put that). After a while as it was causing more harm than good she ended up moving in with a lovely couple and stayed there for a few years. I believe most of this was triggered by memories of some sort of abuse (she has never told me exactly what happened) from her childhood. Some how my dad accidently trigger them and they have since split up. Eventually she ended up in a council house and me and my bro moved in. During this time she was classed as unfit to work. Now she has recently done an administrative course and is looking for jobs. She still however finds it hard to deal with situations where there are a lot of people and generally being around men (with one or two exceptions - me and my bro, dad in short doses and the friend she stayed with after the hospital). She also has general weakness down her right side that seems to be getting worse. She can't write for very long without her hand swelling. Probably helps you understand my character a bit more too. Not really mentioned that to anyone before as tend to not think about it.

[pearl]

Big <'> for you David <'> what a difficult time your family has had.

 

And thanks everyone else, Lisa I will be in touch.

 

Quick update, Dave has the go ahead to accompany J on monday.

 

J has his Driving Theory test tomorrow. Worra week!!!!!!

[butterfingersbimbo]

aw pearl, big hugs to you and j <'> hope he passes his theory it will give him a boost!

 

and david <'> to you and your mum too!!!