Treloar College welcomes Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms

To mark International Wheelchair Day, students from Treloar’s Supported internship programme welcomed Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, who came to learn about their experiences in the workplace and find out how we support employers to open up workplaces and make them more accessible to disabled young people.

Sir Stephen Timms said of his visit: 
“I’ve seen here what is possible when the right tailored support is provided giving opportunities to people who, like everybody else, should have the chance to succeed.”

The day started with a short presentation from Hazel Wark, Assistant Head of College and Hope, a supported intern who is currently working two days a week at Southampton Airport. Hope works with airport Duty Manager, Gemma Foreman, to improve the passenger experience at Southampton airport. Hope described her supported internship experience as “life changing. I’m not scared of doing anything anymore.’’

Following the presentation, Sir Stephen Timms had had the opportunity to try out Boccia, a Paralympic sport, similar to bowls, and was training by Xavi, a supported intern who is an aspiring personal trainer working at Pure Gym and in the PE department at Eggar’s Secondary School.

The Minister met students who are on the Treloar’s Employability pathway on a journey towards work beyond college, and met some of our partner employers from Southampton Airport and Northgate Vehicle Hire, who have provided placements for Treloar’s supported interns.  

College students were keen to show Sir Stephen Timms how their experiences in the workplace have helped them grow in confidence and opened up opportunities for them to succeed in the future. Matthew Green from Northgate Vehicle Hire explained how small changes in the workplace make a big difference in making the environment welcoming for disabled employees, alongside improving staff morale.

Ben Bastin, Head of College said:

“We were delighted to showcase the skills of our students and collaboration with employers during the ministers visit to Treloar’s. We know it isn't disability that is the barrier to successful employment but culture and timely, consistent support.”

The Sir Stephen Timms’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for Treloar’s supported interns to demonstrate how the right tailored support has helped them to increase their independence, gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in life, contribute to their communities and gain secure employment.