Students’ learning and job success at hospitals
Students with learning difficulties or autism have celebrated completing year-long internships which, for some, has led to jobs at their local hospitals.
The interns from South Essex College and Chelmsford College successfully completed the programme that covered a range of roles in catering, portering and patient care.
A graduation ceremony was held at Basildon Hospital, with 13 students receiving their certificates in front of their parents, job coaches and colleagues from the Trust. Out of those graduates, six have secured jobs at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals.
Luis Williams, 21, from Colchester, recently started his role as a Pharmacy Porter at Broomfield Hospital.
He said: “It's great to be playing my part in making a difference to the lives of patients and I’m glad to be part of such a supportive team. This internship has given me the skills and confidence I needed to get my job, with staff and job coaches being very helpful throughout.”
Rob Brunger, Associate Director of Human Resources and Head of Inclusion and Engagement at the Trust, said: “The success of Luis and other supported interns is very important to us. Over the last few years many of them have been able to secure important life skills and jobs at our Trust.
“I encourage students to sign up for this scheme and take advantage of these amazing opportunities with their local NHS.”
The Supported Internship programme is a partnership between the Trust, Chelmsford College and South Essex College, with Essex County Council. Students with learning disabilities or autism interested in joining the programme can register through their college’s websites.