STUDENTS at Minehead’s Foxes Academy are bucking the trend when it comes to moving into the workplace.

The specialist college and training hotel for young adults with learning disabilities is celebrating its success in equipping its graduates with employability skills.

Among the many hurdles people with learning disabilities face is a far higher unemployment rate – it currently stands at seven per cent for paid work in England.

But 79 per cent of leavers from the class of 2014 from Foxes are now in work, with 55 per cent of those in paid jobs and 45 per cent working on a voluntary basis.

In addition, a total of 68 per cent of leavers moved into supported or independent living.

Principal Tracey Clare-Gray said: “You can’t change the system so we believe in changing young lives.

“By training our students in a real hotel, youngsters gain skills which ensure they are able to get a meaningful job in the hospitality industry when they leave us.

“Vocational training in a real business supported with a work experience placement is a direct route to employment.

“This approach is combined with national qualifications and an independent living skills course, while living in a house with other similar people as part of a vibrant local community.”

Foxes also runs an extensive work experience placement scheme within the local community involving 32 separate employers.

“At the end of their time at Foxes our students are equipped to make an easier transition into work than you might expect for someone who has to live with the daily challenges associated with autism, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy and many other debilitating learning disabilities,” said Ms Clare-Gray.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students.”

Among the 2014 graduates, one is working as an apprentice commis chef at a top hotel and has won a significant award for his achievements, another has three part-time jobs and lives on her own, while another is paid as a housekeeper in a busy holiday hotel.

“Our aim is to inspire these young people to go into the world with skills, confidence and a passion to succeed.”