The next steps after supported internships

We closely with local colleges to provide the chance for students to gain work experience through supported internships. This yearlong course gives students a valuable step towards the world of employment. It is important to remember that this is just the start of the journey. By completing a supported internship, students are armed with the knowledge of what working life is like and how to deal with various situations that employment might throw at them.

During a supported internship, we work closely with the employer to try to establish a more permanent role beyond the year. If this is not an option then we will work with the student to harness the skills that they have gained from work and use them to find an alternative job role.

If the student feels they are not quite ready for the pressures of paid employment, sometimes volunteering can be a good way to build their confidence.

Most students that complete a supported internship feel ready to continue the transition from education to employment.

Success story – Chloe and the Co-operative

Chloe began a supported internship at the Co-operative in Pendeford last year with support from Enable Wolverhampton. Chloe thoroughly enjoyed the employment experience and excelled at many tasks. Her positive energy had a great effect on the rest of the workforce who found her to be a great team member. Chloe loved the job so much that she said if she could work there all day, every day, then she would.

The Co-operative were so impressed with Chloe’s progress and performance that they have taken her on as a permanent, paid employee. Enable Wolverhampton offered support throughout the process to both Chloe and the staff at the Co-operative and will continue to stay in touch.

The Co-operative are so happy with Chloe and the service that they received, that they offered a place to another supported internship jobseeker and offered work experience to yet another Enable jobseeker, this time who is not on the supported internship programme.