Peter McCullough is a Clerical Assistant in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics (HAPP) on a placement as part of the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's.

This is the fifth year of the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's, which the University runs in conjunction with NIUSE (Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment) and various Disability Organisations. The scheme aims to give individuals the opportunity to regain skills, learn new skills and enhance their employment opportunities.

The placements range from clerical roles to operational and technical work and span a range of Schools and Directorates.

About Peter

What is your job and what does it entail?

My role is to assist with the administration of the main office for the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics.

My duties include filing, printing, copying and scanning documents; printer/copier/scanner maintenance; creating Word documents and spreadsheets; answering the telephone; meeting the needs of visitors; sorting and delivering post and setting up and encrypting PCs and laptops.

What attracted you to apply for the placement at Queen's?

As part of my Business Administration NVQ, I was required to undertake a work placement. This is so that I can gain actual hands on experience, to supplement what I have learned in the classroom. When I heard that Queen's University Belfast had vacancies through their Inclusive Employment Scheme, I was keen to apply. Queen's has an excellent reputation as an educator and employer and I was sure to gain invaluable experience here. I knew there would be opportunities to learn, improve and enhance my future employability.

What do you enjoy most about working for Queen's?

My colleagues have been welcoming and friendly from the outset. I feel appreciated and valued and I am awarded many opportunities to develop and learn new skills. I consider myself exceedingly fortunate to have been offered a placement.

What do you hope to get out of the placement?

My goal is to return to and be able to sustain employment. In addition to learning new skills, my confidence is improving and I feel ready to return to employment. My time at Queen's will undoubtedly improve my employability and I hope to leave with a good reference.

If you would like further information about the Inclusive Employment Scheme at Queen's please contact Leann Matchett in the Diversity and Inclusion Unit: leeann.matchett@qub.ac.uk.