Breaking Barriers Launches Largest Ever Breaking Barriers Cohort

Students were joined by Breaking Barriers graduates Kyle Stevenson and Emily Winters, alongside Theresa Shearer FRSE, Keith Anderson and David Brackenridge in Glasgow, bringing together those at the start of their journey with those already progressing into careers.

 
Co-founded by Enable, the University of Strathclyde and ScottishPower in 2018, Breaking Barriers was designed to ensure young disabled people can access the full experience of university life, combining higher education, industry-leading work experience and a strong sense of belonging. The programme supports students to build confidence, develop skills and move into sustained employment.

 
This year, 15 students will take part in work experience with ScottishPower, double the company’s usual intake. Alongside their studies at the University of Strathclyde Business School students are based at ScottishPower’s Glasgow headquarters and will gain experience across a range of business areas including cyber, data analytics, environmental and business services, supported throughout by Enable.
 

A key strength of the programme is the ongoing support it provides.

 This year, that is further strengthened through the Breaking Barriers Alumni Network, with recent graduates offering peer mentorship and insight as students transition into the workplace.

 
With more than 200 graduates to date and 95% progressing positively, Breaking Barriers continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when the private, public and third sectors work together with a shared purpose.

 
This is not just about widening access. It is about building a future workforce that reflects the full range of talent across our communities and ensuring Scotland’s economy benefits from it.

Enable works for an equal society where everyone has the right to live, work and participate in the communities of their choice in line with the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities UNCRPD.