Students thrive in hospital roles as part of college programme

Young people with an Education, Health and Care plan are thriving as they work alongside NHS colleagues after being offered life-changing opportunities on Supported Internship placements at Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust.

Eight students from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) are working at the hospital in departments from haematology and radiology to portering and pharmacy as part of placements that will enable them to apply for permanent job roles in the NHS at the end of their programme.

The scheme, run by NWSLC, is supported by Warwickshire County Council and DFN Project SEARCH and is designed for young people aged between 18 and 24 with special educational needs and disabilities

(SEND). It provides them with a variety of work-based learning opportunities alongside a daily employability programme to help them to secure meaningful paid employment.

Jordan, from Polesworth, had completed college courses in floristry with NWSLC but was unsure of her next steps. Currently working in the hospital’s outpatients booking team, she is reminding patients about appointments and making bookings. She said: “I was nervous at first, but I really enjoy working here and I can talk to anyone now. It has helped me on my journey to accept my disability and my confidence has really grown.”

Sam, from Nuneaton, who is in the medical records liaison team, said: “My colleagues don’t regard me as an intern, they see me as part of the team and are really friendly and welcoming. This has been a great chance to get some experience of work, and I am aiming to get a job at the hospital in the future.”

And Jack, from Hinckley, who has previously completed qualifications in games design at NWSLC said: “Working in haematology has enabled me to get better prepared for the world of work, which I sometimes struggle with because of my autism. I still want to work in the field of games design and feel that this experience at the hospital has helped me to improve my employability skills.”

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said: “We’re delighted that our students have been getting on so well and are enjoying their placements at George Eliot Hospital and are grateful to the hospital for their support with this project.

“Being part of our Supported Internships programme enables students to work within a key local organisation and to develop vital employability skills and competencies in order to be successful.

“NWSLC is proud to be expanding our Supported Internship programme by further increasing our team of job coaches so that we can offer additional roles within the local area. Our coaches work with a fantastic cohort of interns alongside our dedicated employer partners, supporting them to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences.”

NWSLC is keen to hear from organisations of all types that are prepared to offer a placement ahead of the next programme start in September. Businesses can get in touch via paula.jeffries@nwslc.ac.uk