Since 1993 Toucan has been supporting young people to go on work experiences. In this time over 150 different employers from Pizza Hut and Sainsburys to Chelsea Football Club and the Musicians Union have offered work experiences.

The enthusiasm and the ability of young people with learning difficulties at a formative age has impressed employers, parents and the schools and college. The young people have benefited from the support and encouragement of Toucan Staff and employers. The rise in confidence and self esteem is often very clear. And as a result of being part of the First Job Initiative people have gone on to a range of full- and part-time employment with a very wide range of employers from hat manufacturers to supermarkets.

Many of the people who were on the First Job are now with Toucan and have gone on to be successful in lots of different jobs. Their earlier experiences gave them valuable skills and knowledge that they and we have been able to use to help them secure paid employment.