A community-focused initiative that aims to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities has been put forward for a national award.

Portland Pathways supports customers to develop their skills and prepare for and find jobs.

It has been nominated for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Equality Trailblazer Award.

The national award celebrates an organisation that champions diversity and promotes inclusion for their workforce, customers and communities.

Last year Portland Pathways won the East Midlands Chamber Community Impact Award in Nottinghamshire.

The initiative, which launched in 2017, enables Portland College to reach out further into the community, with hubs in Sutton and Mansfield, and plans to expand into other locations.

Its popular Recovery College courses, in partnership with the NHS, help people to understand and improve their mental health and Pathways’ one-to-one counselling service provides strategies to overcome barriers to employment.

It also works closely with local businesses to help them become more accessible and to recruit the right staff for their roles.

Since it launched, Pathways has had more than 800 referrals to the service, 206 Recovery College course completions, secured 195 jobs and delivered 406 counselling hours.

Mark Dale, Portland College principal and chief executive, said: “We are extremely proud of the growing impact our Portland Pathways initiative has in the local community and this national recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate the difference Pathways makes.

“We believe all people with disabilities should have a lifetime of opportunity, and this programme serves to tackle the disability employment gap locally.

“The team has worked hard throughout the pandemic to continue providing their vital service, including securing 48 job starts since 24th March, 2020.

“With almost half of our clients reporting they have mental health needs, this ongoing support has been even more crucial for people in these difficult times.”

Regional winners will be announced by the Chamber of Commerce on 8th November, with national winners being named at a virtual awards ceremony in December.