Skip to content
Order line: 01603 667957

Pet products with a conscience – think workability, not disability!

EVOLVE Programme

EVOLVE is a bespoke strengths-based work placement programme, tailored to the individual and aimed at supporting them to achieve their employment goals. 

  • Available to people who are disadvantaged in their search for work, eg long term unemployed, disability or other barrier such as parenting, criminal record, lack of work or life skills. 
  • Based at Norfolk Industries in Norwich (individuals will need to support their own travel arrangements). 
  • Aimed at motivated individuals who are keen to learn and want to become more employable as part of their effort to find work.
  • Does not provide paid employment. It is a programme of work experience and development that aims to get people closer to employment over a period of 12 to 14 weeks. 

EVOLVE provides: 

  • Real world work experience at Norfolk Industries. 
  • Work-based training in subjects that include Health & Safety, Fire Prevention and Quality Control. 
  • Employment Skills qualifications from our own accredited Gateway Assured Learning Programme.  

What is EVOLVE like – how do I know if it’s for me?  

  • EVOLVE starts with a visit to us at Norfolk Industries for a chat. 
  • You’ll be able to try your hand at a variety of our production processes to see what works for you. 
  • We’ll find out more about the skills you’d like to develop and agree which units on our Gateway Accredited Learning Programme will suit you best. 
  • We’ll develop a Learning Agreement between us which documents the outcomes we’ll be working towards together. 

Read a case study from one of our EVOLVE candidates

How do I get onto EVOLVE? 

  • Access to the programme is through referral from social services or Norwich Job Centre and by direct application to ourselves.
  • Contact us on 01603 667957 for more information or to apply for a place. 
  • A formal application process applies but can be supported if required.

 

  • Working here means I earn money and can pay my bills

    Adrian

  • I like to feel useful and feel that I have a purpose

    Richard

  • If I didn’t have this job, I wouldn’t be able to do amateur dramatics which I enjoy

    Jeremy

  • I like all of the people here and they all care for me.

  • I like coming into Norfolk Industries because I feel useful and part of the team.

  • I feel supported that my future will go ahead.

  • I’ve settled quicker here than in all the other work I’ve had. The people are very nice, they support each other and work as a team. I’ve gained confidence in the weeks I've been here. I feel like a piece of jigsaw that finally fits.

    Penny

  • It's brilliant. I enjoy the work.

    Chris

  • I’d love to come back. I enjoyed my time at Norfolk Industries and would really like to work there in a paid job.

    Christine

  • I’ve felt comfortable, welcome and the atmosphere has been friendly. The people are easy to get along with. I’ve learnt quite a lot about working in an office environment.

    Martyn

  • My morning at Norfolk Industries was excellent! Fantastic! I packed pet bedding for hamsters and then had a coffee break in the canteen. The people were very friendly and I would like to help them out more if I could.

    Mandy

  • I enjoy the tasks, the open space and the people, they are really hard working, everyone knows what they are doing. I manage to cope gradually with my anxiety and I’m really enjoying it there.

Work Placement Schemes