Simon Greig from Dundonald with Mairead McConville from Visitor Experience at Titanic Belfast.

Dundonald’s Simon Greig recently staged a Museum Takeover at Titanic Belfast through Orchardville, which works in partnership with young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to prepare them for employment.

Simon from Dundonald, alongside fellow Orchardville’s clients, took over operations at the world leading visitor attraction, ranging across Visitor Experience, Hospitality, Photographic, Learning and Retail. Simon, who has experience in retail, tried Visitor Experience due to his love of history and learnt more about Belfast in the 1900’s and Titanic and shared his passion for knowledge with guests.

The participants had a ‘shipmate’ mentor and received Titanic Belfast’s bespoke five skills to five-star training and Health and Safety preparation. The special event was hosted by Titanic Belfast as part of its commitment to disability access in its many forms.

Joan McGinn, Orchardville Chief Executive stated, “We’re truly delighted to have partnered again with Titanic Belfast to stage this year’s museum takeover. Our participants have had the opportunity to experience real work across a range of job roles that will help them make more informed choices around their future career pathways. Of equal importance though are the amazing memories the day has created for all involved. The enthusiasm and engagement of Titanic Belfast’s staff, has made the day one that our participants will never forget.”

Heather Graham, Titanic Belfast’s Head of Human Resources said, “As one of the UK’s most accessible attractions, we are committed to ensuring access to employment by making any reasonable adjustments to break down barriers which could prevent access to employment. As such, we are very proud of our partnership with Orchardville, and the Museum Takeover Day, is a very special part of this. Credit must be paid to everyone who took part, they were all fabulous and definitely have the ‘T’ factor we look for. It was great to see them develop over the course of the training and day itself!”

The Museum Takeover is just one of the initiatives Titanic Belfast is undertaking with Orchardville. It hopes that its example will inspire the tourism industry locally, nationally and internationally to do more to better cater for those with access difficulties.

The world-class visitor attraction has already been listed by SAGA and the Rough Guide to Accessibility Britain as one of the most accessible attractions in the UK. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.