Supported Internships take off
Tue, 17 December 2013
Tameside’s Supported Internship has now been officially launched. The Tameside Supported Internship is a partnership between Tameside College, Tameside Hospital, Pure Innovations and Tameside Council.
Supported Internships enable students with learning difficulties and disabilities to gain work experience with the view to gaining paid employment as a result. 10 young people from Tameside have been working in several departments within Tameside Hospital over the past four months.
The students work in the Hospital for four days per week with two short classroom sessions per day with Tameside College tutor, Jane Massam. The interns have been working as: Porter, Laundry assistant, Domestic services, cleaning wards, Nursing auxiliary assistant and several other valued jobs.
Karen James, Interim Chief Executive from Tameside Hospital said; “I would like to start by saying well done, you’ve been fantastic, and I’ve been really impressed.”
Karen described the students as: “Professional, Polite, Confident, Dedicated and Enthusiastic and said that the students are valued members of the hospital’s team.
Karen also said that it had been a success because the students have had great support from the Supported Internship Team, including the college tutors.”
Amanda Noon, Employment Development and Operations Manager at Pure Innovations said; “Pure Innovations are proud to be part of this Supported Internship. Tameside College has excellent drive and their commitment to provide this opportunity to students is exceptional. Tameside Hospital has been fantastic.”
Amanda also mentioned that before the launch of the Supported Internships, only 6.6% of people with disabilities gain employment, but the aim of Supported Internships means that 65% of people with disabilities will have the chance to gain work experience and get into employment.
Councillor Alison Gwynne said; “We aim to maximise employment in Tameside and we want to protect the most vulnerable. Today is about raising young people’s aspirations.”
Jenny Worsdale Deputy Principal at Tameside College said; “These students are a credit to the programme and all involved.”
The 10 young people are due to complete their Supported Internship on July 4th, by which time at least 50% may have secured a permanent job.