Archie
Archie left school having achieved great results in his A levels and was interested in starting an apprenticeship. However, his chosen pathway didn’t transpire and his extreme lack of confidence prevented him from applying for jobs. So when he was told about the internship with South Essex College, he took the opportunity to follow a different pathway.
Archie’s work placement is with the Estates & Facilities Management (EFM) team, working as a Stores Assistant. His role involves managing stock, ordering new stock and working alongside the wider EFM team. Whilst he was nervous about talking to people when he started the role, he is now happy to chat to patients, giving them directions around the hospital.
Explaining what he enjoys most about the work placement, Archie says “the team are brilliant and really supportive. I enjoy working alongside the electricians and carpenters, you get to see different parts of the hospital and come across new challenges”
Reflecting on his experience of the internship, Archie says “I would never have applied for this role, I had no idea what it was about but now I am here I’m happy and I really enjoy it”.
Archie has grown in confidence throughout the duration of the placement, and is now hoping to secure an apprenticeship role with the EFM team.
Arriving as an extremely quiet and seemingly nervous young man, he has grown his knowledge of the of the storeman role and that of teams within the Trust to an impressive level. His self-esteem and social skills have improved beyond recognition and now include a humorous sense of ‘banter’ with those in the team he works with regularly. It has been a joy to watch Archie grow over the last five months of his internship.
- Michael Davies, EFM Maintenance
Louis
Louis had been having a hard time finding a job and was struggling with his mental health. Despite gaining experience in voluntary roles and a short period of work experience at a garage, the right job role never arose.
Louis says of this time “things weren't really going well for me, I wasn't in a good position, I wasn't good mentally as well “
So when South Essex College presented the opportunity of an internship, he took the chance to gain some valuable experience in the workplace.
Louis’ work placement is with the Portering team and he describes the role as varied and interesting, involving moving patients around the hospital site, carrying out gas checks, oxygen supplies and using the handheld device to manage jobs. Louis has shadowed the more experienced team members and has recently undertaken Patslide training to be able to move patients from a bed to a trolley.
When asked what he most enjoys about portering, Louis said “these patients may have been in hospital for a long time and are worried about what the doctor might say, so I have a chat with them and put them at ease. Not only have I got them to their destination I’ve hopefully made them feel more cheery along the way”.
As he comes to the end of his placement, Louis is working towards securing a permanent role as a Porter. Louis said ”If the old me could see me now they would be so surprised about how knowledgeable and confident I am now.”
It has been a pleasure to be able to witness the growth in Louis and the other candidates on the course. Louis has a big personality and its so nice to see interactions with him and the patients as he makes them smile and laugh during the time he has with them. With a bit of time and the support of the amazing job coaches we have been able to provide the students with the skills they need through learning in the workplace. I think there is a big stigma surrounding programmes such as this, and individuals thinking it will take a lot of time from daily duties. However this has not been my experience at all and has been something I have found to be very rewarding.
- Brad Watson, Porters Manager