Power utility CEM recently joined a programme launched by Bosco Youth Service Network (BYS) offering on-the-job training to a group of youngsters with special education needs (SEN).
The SEN youngsters received one-on-one mentoring at different departments at CEM.
Most of the SEN youngsters in Macau studied in mainstream schools but after completing secondary education, they faced difficulties in finding a job because of their inherent limitations such as autism, hearing impairment, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
To address this, BYS worked with Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) to introduce the “Corporate Cares” programme to help SEN youngsters adapt to the workplace and reduce youngsters’ fear of transitioning to work life.
The potentials of SEN youngsters have generally been underestimated due to the misunderstanding of the general public. As a result, they faced problems of employment and hindered them from showing their talent and abilities.
After joining the programme, CEM mentors find that all the participating youngsters have exceeded their expectations in terms of their sense of responsibility, diligence and efficiency.
Having learnt about the youngsters’ working abilities, CEM mentors know how to allocate jobs to them, and with consideration of their abilities and background, mentors also arranged different types of trainee positions for them, including meter reading, meter installation, bill printing and sealing, setting up storage records, inputting and checking data, and assisting in guests visits.
After the internship, the youngsters said that they were impressed with the field work, during which they followed CEM mentors to various districts for meter reading, meter installation and inspection.
From observing aside to having the opportunity to try on their own, the feeling of being trusted filled their hearts with joy and boosted their confidence.
The youngsters said that the training has brought them closer to the community and they will bring the positive energy to their work in future.
Apart from work experience, the youngsters also benefited a lot from CEM mentors’ advice on their careers. – cempr
This photo shows a CEM staff and SEN youngster Wong Cheok Man (right) refilling a printing machine recently.
SEN youngster Tou Ka Son (right) hands out paper to people visiting CEM recently. Photos: CEM
