Wiltshire College & University Centre was thrilled to host the Wiltshire Supported Internship Awards at the Trowbridge campus earlier this month.
The event was held as a celebration to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Supported Internship programme, a partnership between WCUC and Wiltshire Council aimed at getting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into paid employment.
It was also an opportunity to celebrate and reward learners who have gone onto achieve success in the workplace, as well as recognise businesses and organisations who have provided employment opportunities.
Jack Herbert was named as the winner of the Programme Award, with Jonnie Gulliver and Jack Thomas both being highly commended.
The Employer Award, sponsored by Leekes, was won by Holly Sadd. Elliot Polledri and Fraser Hobin Bucksey were highly commended.
Farha Rasul, Head of Faculty – Pathways, English, Maths & ESOL at WCUC, said: “The evening was extremely successful and showcased the achievements of many young people.
“The event highlighted the value of supported internships for students as well as all the stakeholders involved. We are proud of what the learners achieved and the close working relationship with Wiltshire Council in making the Wiltshire Supported Internship programme successful.”
Sam Buchanan, Team Manager – Wiltshire Employment Support Team & Supported Internships at Wiltshire Council, added: “We are delighted to have reached the 10-year point of our partnership with Wiltshire College & University Centre.
“Supported internships are a proven route to work for our interns and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate achievements with interns past and present, their families and friends, and local employers. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Supported Internships are for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 18 to 24. Learners will have an Education, Health Care Plan and be eligible for High Needs funding through Wiltshire Council.
The Supported Internship course at WCUC provides individualised study programmes designed to equip students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities with the skills they need to secure paid employment.
Learners have a Job Coach and areas of focus include voluntary work, increased social skills, confidence building, certificates and qualifications, interview practice, employer visits and travel training, alongside English and maths at a level appropriate for each learner.
For more information or to apply, visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk/study/supported-internships.
To see the full gallery of pictures from the event, click here.
