A PIONEERING scheme to fill an important gap in the jobs market has been unveiled by council chiefs.

North Yorkshire County Council's County Care business unit, Supported Employment Services, in partnership with Richmond School and the local day service, have launched a new course aimed at preparing adults with learning disabilities for the workplace.

Students will be offered the chance to develop their communication and job seeking skills, and gain work experience in the council's business units, with the aim of eventually finding paid or voluntary employment in local businesses.

County Care's job finder, Maggie Stockport, will be canvassing local employers to find suitable openings.

She said: "In addition to this course, the Supported Employment Service offers support, training and advice to employers who are contemplating recruiting an adult with learning difficulties.

"This fills a gap in the jobs market, because often, employers do not have the resources to support people in work with learning difficulties."

County Care locality manager, Mike O'Neill, said: "This is an exciting initiative which will help local adults to become fully integrated into the local economy and community."

The course, which will be run on a Monday, will initially be based at Richmond School youth annex in the morning and Zetland Community Centre, Richmond, in the afternoon.

The group is hoping to eventually find a single venue for the whole day.

Any employers who would like to offer a venue or could provide work experience can contact Maggie Stockport on (01609) 774040