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Overview of the WAM Programme

WAM (Willing, Able Mentoring) is a FÁS funded initiative which seeks to change organisational mindsets, perceptions, and cultures through the development of an active network of sustainable learning that will promote access to the mainstream Irish labour market for graduates with disabilities.

It is, in essence, a programme conducted through the mechanism of a structured mentored work placement programme i.e. successful applicants gain a six month paid, mentored placement. This approach offers benefits for both participating graduates with disabilities and employers. Graduates with disabilities get to avail of much needed mainstream work experience in real jobs in real companies while employers get the opportunity to trial and review their equality/diversity and recruitment policies and procedures. However, the real strength of this approach is the ability to learn from the collective experience so that it can crystallise and disseminate a message to both employers and disabled jobseekers; a message that barriers to full employment can be overcome.

Mentoring is fundamental to the WAM approach and key to its success. The WAM Mentoring Model sets out to enhance skill development and the overall work experience of the graduate while addressing issues related to inclusion and integration into world of work today.

At its core, the main aims of the programme are to foster attitudinal change, to raise awareness and create a deeper understanding of the barriers faced in the labour market by graduates with disabilities and to lay the foundation for in-house mainstream inclusive practices and policies that will guarantee wider access and sustainability for all graduates with disabilities attempting to enter the mainstream labour market.  

WAM placements in 2008 will commence in June and September. If you are interested in applying for a placement or would like more information about the project, please contact wam@ahead.ie or call; 01 2789325.