A Loughborough College scheme that offers vital help to students who could face significant barriers to getting a job continues to grow in success.
The Supported Internship programme at the College enables young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to progress from education into a workplace and has this year led to a range of further opportunities, including job and apprenticeship offers.
“The students carry out a long-term work placement with a local employer to help build their skills ready to move into a paid position,” said Amanda Hearne, Supported Internship coordinator at Loughborough College.
“Courses such as this are vital for the progress of students who otherwise would encounter huge barriers to getting a job and the Supported Internship programme really has gone from strength to strength this year.
“Stefan Woolmer has overcome barriers in terms of physical disability and anxiety to flourish in his work placement at Redgate Animal Sanctuary, and as a consequence has now been offered a paid position there as an Animal Care Assistant,” said Amanda Hearne, Supported Internship Coordinator, Bridge to Work at Loughborough College.
“Erin Marlow has meanwhile overcome confidence issues to steadily progress in her placement working at the TLP Centre with students with profound and multiple disabilities. She has now secured a paid apprenticeship at a school for children with disabilities as a Learning Support Assistant.
“The programme has proved a great success for all 17 students who have completed the course.
“Five have been offered paid positions – four of them where they completed their work placements; two have been offered paid apprenticeships in their chosen careers; one has been offered a voluntary position to help further her experience in her chosen career and another student has been offered a work trial, potentially leading to a paid position in his chosen career.”
For more information on Supported Internships please contact Amanda Hearne on 01509 618397 or Amanda.hearne@loucoll.ac.uk or visit https://www.loucoll.ac.uk/courses/special-educational-needs-and-disabili...
Pictured: (from left) Loughborough College students Erin Marlow and Stefan Woolmer - just two of the success stories from the Supported Internship programme