This week the college is casting a light on its successful programme of internships that has enabled young people with varying needs to gain work skills, and in some cases permanent employment.
Vicky Marchington, BLC Work Experience and Job Coach Coordinator, said:
“To mark National Supported Internship Day (March 27th), the College is releasing video case studies of our Supported Interns, every day this week on social media. A celebratory Afternoon Tea Party was also held last Monday 18th March, which brought together both former interns and their parents and guardians to celebrate their achievements. We also invited our employers to say a big ‘thank you’ to them for facilitating a programme over the last year, providing valuable opportunities for our interns to thrive and achieve.
“High Peak 1 radio transmitted from the college during the afternoon, and it is with great thanks to them for interviewing our interns and employers, so we were able to produce a series of videos.”
Supported Internships are available for young people, aged 18-25 with an Education, Health and Care plan and give employers the opportunity to diversify their workforce by tapping into a talent pool they may not have ordinarily considered.
Dom McCall from Buxton Pudding Emporium, who went on to offer his supported intern, Meg Williams, full time employment, says:
“Meg started out with us, doing one day in retail and one in production. She helps with the topping, packing, and bagging of products. We have got so much out of having Meg working with us, she’s a real team player.
Before Christmas we were very fraught, and she brought everyone together for a group hug and a chat. It was quite moving; she really is a star.”
Sam Beeston gained a Supported Internship at Hordern’s Motors. He said about his programme. ‘I’m really enjoying meeting new people and so far, I’ve been fixing brakes, changing oil, and I’ve done a full service – I’ve learnt a lot.’
Shelbie Webb helped to fill a ‘covid backlog’ during her placement at Curtis Accountants Cheadle by scanning, shredding, filing, answering phones and updating spreadsheets.
Cezary Walerian has also gained employment following his supported Internship in housekeeping at Hen Cloud House. He says BLC not only helped him to ‘learn new things’ but also ‘get a job’.
Tyler Broomhead who worked at the Cavendish Hospital during his internship said he gained ‘more confidence, working on the tills and in the kitchens, operating equipment heating up readymade food for patients.’
The afternoon tea was enjoyed by members of Derbyshire and Staffs County Council and Staffs Chamber of Commerce, with whom BLC has collaborated with to address the full transitional intern pathway.
For more information about facilitating a Supported Internship at your business visit here