Manrose, a leading UK-based ventilation manufacturer, has been working with Surrey Choices to host young fan-enthusiast, Gabriel Hogan, for a visit to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Manrose invited Gabriel to spend the day with them in response to a social media request from Surrey Choices, an organisation helping people with disabilities and support needs to access work-based alternative education programmes. Surrey Choices was looking for work experience opportunities for Gabriel, who has autism and ADHD, in his area of special interest – HVAC and fans.
In an exciting, engaging day at the Reading production facility, Gabriel was shown around the busy factory by Barry Smith, Health and Safety Manager at Manrose. The specially arranged tour included 45-minute visits to each of the key departments, where Gabriel could be involved with the different steps of the manufacturing process.
The Mould Shop and Ducting Machines’ tour gave Gabriel an insight into how key components are made, and the chance to check and pack them ready for customers. Meanwhile, the fan production department gave him the opportunity to have hands-on experience and build a fan.
In Kit Packing, Barry and the Manrose team supported Gabriel in putting together the collections of parts for kits. Lastly, in Goods In and Out, the Warehouse Logistics staff presented a show-and-tell on picking, packing and shipping stock, in which Gabriel was able to try out the process for himself.
“It was an absolute pleasure to show Gabriel around the Manrose manufacturing facility,” said Barry. “He’s a very knowledgeable young man who engaged with every stage of the process our products go through – he particularly enjoyed the production and packing parts of the day.”
Sarah Oxby, Employability and Communities Manager at Surrey Choices, said. “Gabriel has had a fantastic day at Manrose. It was a wonderful experience for him to see the fans being made in the factory environment, and his knowledge of this subject is huge. He is very eager to take up more work experience opportunities in this sector.”
Gabriel’s mum, Barbara Hogan, was overjoyed at the experience Gabriel had had with Manrose: “He returned from the visit full of excitement and enthusiasm. I would like to thank all the staff who spent time with Gabriel explaining and demonstrating the different stages of production and helping him to be involved. It has fuelled his passion for your products, and stimulated his interest in exploring employment possibilities within this industry.”
Gabriel is keen to take part in other placements to further enhance his knowledge and interest in fans and air conditioning. If anyone is able to offer a placement, please contact: info@surreychoices.com.
Surrey Choices provides a range of support services, which are dedicated to improving the independence, confidence, and life skills of people with disabilities, autism and other support needs. The organisation’s mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable services that enable choice and positive outcomes for the people we support, provided by skilled, engaged and inspired colleagues. For further information, visit www.surreychoices.com.
For further information on all products and services offered by Manrose, telephone 01753 691399 or visit www.manrose.co.uk
