Supported Internships open up the world of work for Treloar College students
January 27, 2020 / 10:37 am
Last year, we launched our ground-breaking Supported Internships programme, pioneered by Transition Manager Maria Sherwood and Head of College Jane Clarke.
The programme offers College students the opportunity to get experience working for an employer. This is a great opportunity for those students intending on doing paid or voluntary work after graduating from the college.
The one-year programme allows students to work 2-3 days a week supported by our job coach Charlotte Warwick who helps the student to settle in and monitors their progress throughout the placement. The students are joined by their student support assistant (SSA) on these placements.
On January 13th, Charlotte Warwick along with Principal Martin Ingram, Head of Transition Maria Sherwood and Treloar’s governor Bob Deans, presented certificates to thank the businesses who have supported the programme.
Each of the businesses involved in the programme have all praised the interns they have taken on.
Eoin, who has cerebral palsy, has been working 3 days a week since September at Vets4Pets in Farnham.
Roger Holden, Head Vet at Vets4Pets in Farnham said of the experience:
“Having Eoin has been straightforward. From day one he was determined to be involved and he wants to help and learn. He has a great sense of humour and has been a great additional team member. We have had no difficulties in adapting to his needs.”
Cory, who has muscular dystrophy, has been working with Enterprise in Aldershot since September.
Marco Bardino, Talent Manager at Enterprise said:
“We have been supporting Treloar’s for a number of years by offering work trials and experience to the students. We receive a great deal of support and guidance from the college in order to make the experience a meaningful one for the student.
I would encourage anyone to support the college and make a difference to some truly remarkable young people.”
Lloyd, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, has been working at the QE2 Activity Centre in Hedge End.
Manager Phil Oates said:
“Initially, when Treloar’s approached QE2 Activity Centre about an internship for a student we weren’t sure – until we met the student. Having discovered his photography and IT skills we felt that we could work together on a project designing new leaflets for the Centre. We felt that he benefited from having to work to a deadline, with a set goal and expectations while we benefited from a different point of view, his skill set and a new leaflet. We would be very happy to have students from Treloar’s in the future.”
We are looking for more local businesses to provide Supported Internships for our next cohort of students in September.
If you would like to find out more information about the Supported Internships programme and how to get involved, please contact Maria Sherwood, Progress and Transition Manager, on maria.sherwood@treloar.org.uk.
