Meet the latest cohort of young people taking part in Supported Internships in Bedford Borough, helping them to gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workplace.
Sophie Plummer, Cosmo Peduto, Ewan Hartup and Jonah Fielden are benefitting from the DFN Project Search programme, which is run by Bedford Borough Council, Bedford College and Mencap in partnership with various employers who support with providing work placements.
And they each told us about their placements and how they have found the programme since it began again in September.
Sophie, whose first placement has been at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness, said; “Both the course and the placement have really built my confidence.
“I was really nervous when I started, but everyone has been lovely. I had feedback from my manager about how sociable I am and how I make everyone feel seen. It made my mum cry when she read it.”
Cosmo’s placement has been at Robinson Pools & Fitness, and as well as working in the gym he has been involved in designing social posts to promote the venue and decorating for Halloween.
“Everyone on the course is nice, and everyone at Robinson Pool is too,” he said.
“I’m just so happy with how it’s been going.”
Ewan has been working at Munch and Mocha cafe in Bedford College and has also made a flying start – to the point where he is already training other new staff how to use the tills and coffee machines.
He said; “It can get busy in there, sometimes with 200 or so people at a time, but I really enjoy it.
“I don’t know if customer service will be my calling as a career, but I take pride in making sure other people get the level of service that I’d want.”
And Jonah is currently doing two placement – one in Bedford Central Library and another in the Council’s school admissions team.
He said; “There’s a surprising amount of crossover in the skills you need, which makes me see how learning the skills for one job can help with other careers.
“And the team are always getting me involved in different parts of the job, like helping with the children’s Rhyme Time events at the library.”
Interns have also been working in the Green Man Community Garden in Kempston, visited the MK Job Shop and Bedford JobCentre Plus.
The supported internships are open to young people aged 18-24, who have autism and/or learning disabilities and an EHCP, and are keen to enter the workforce.
Each internship should contribute to the long-term career goals of the young person and match their capabilities. Alongside their time with the employer, supported interns complete sessions on employability and other skills delivered by Bedford College colleagues. Support is tailored to each intern with creating CVs, Interview techniques and gaining and maintaining employment.
You can read more at https://localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/kb5/bedford/directory/service.page?id=dFg1xQNy88I&localofferchannel=0.