Young adults are celebrating a job well done after proving they have got what it takes to deliver in the workplace.
Supported interns from Stockton Riverside College saw their achievements recognised at a dedicated awards presentation in Stockton.
“Having worked with some of these young people since they started college at 16 or 17, it is amazing to see how much their confidence and self-esteem has grown as they move into adulthood and start finding their place in society,” said Alexa Lang, the college group’s head of SEND and high needs.
“Seeing the progress they have made is incredible. It means such a lot, both to the individuals and their families. This is a real milestone as they move towards personal goals, whether that’s permanent employment or building skills to live more independent lives.”
Supported internships help young adults with an Education Health and Care Plan to make the transition into work by building employability and personal development skills and gain valuable experience in the workplace.
Alexa said: “For the employers we work with it is a chance to really make a difference in the life of that young person and the community and potentially gain a valued and enthusiastic employee.”
Stockton student Lydia completed her placement working with the catering team at Bede Sixth Form College in Billingham.
“It has been brilliant,” said the 23-year-old from Thornaby. “The students and staff are really nice, and it has given me a great experience of employment.”
Now hoping to go on to find voluntary work and ultimately employment, she added: “I do enjoy the different types of tasks and doing this has kept me motivated and busy.”
Supported internships at Stockton Riverside College are delivered in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and DFN Project Search. Placements have covered a host of different roles from retail to leisure and tourism to warehousing. Students also work towards a King’s Trust Certificate in Personal Development and Employability.
As a budding young creative, Emma, 20, spent her placement at Preston Park Museum. She said: “I really enjoyed the course and have gained and improved my skills. It has made me feel more confident and prepared for the workplace.”
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council hosted the graduation-style event at the River Tees Watersports Centre for all their supported interns across the borough including those from Stockton Riverside College and Choices College.
Councillor Clare Besford, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It was a real pleasure to attend this special event and celebrate the achievements of all the interns. They have worked incredibly hard throughout their placements, shown great determination and should be very proud of everything they have achieved.
“Supported internships provide young people with SEND with valuable opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop new skills and grow in confidence. It is wonderful to see them taking positive steps towards greater independence, further opportunities and future employment, and I wish them every success for the future.
“I am also delighted to see so many employers recognising the important role they can play in supporting our young people. By offering placements and sharing their knowledge, they are helping to open doors, create opportunities and change lives. Their commitment makes a real difference, and I would like to thank them for the support they continue to provide.”
To find out more about the supported internship programme at Stockton Riverside College email matthew.wigmore@the-etc.ac.uk or if you are an employer and think you can offer a placement to a student on a supported internship or would like to know more email sensection@stockton.gov.uk
