Heartbeat: Supported internships on track to return this year
August 20, 2021
SWB is restarting its bespoke supported internship programme in the autumn.
As an organisation, we initially launched our internship programme two years ago in 2019 alongside key stakeholders in the local area which included Sandwell College, Shirelands Secondary School, Sandwell Council (Disability section) and the Downs Syndrome Association all in a bid to offer placements to those the Trust felt were furthest away from the job market due to learning or physical disabilities and mental ill health.
“The programme was developed to support many people across the borough who we felt were falling through the net of the job market due to the difficulties they were facing,” said Nikki Smith, Widening Participation Project Support Officer.
“As a Trust we wanted to showcase our support towards these individuals and continue to follow our vision and ethos of being an inclusive, equal and diverse employer”.
From the outset the programme was an instant success as we welcomed eight people in a volunteering capacity as part of our volunteer service.
“The programme builds confidence, encourages basic communication skills and much more,” said Patricia Hunt, Volunteer Service Manager.
“Anyone on the programme would complete a full induction before starting any volunteering roles and would be given training and peer support until they were confident to do the role with less support.
“This built confidence in anyone who joined the programme which would help them long term and also aid them in an extended work experience placement which would last for six months.
Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the supported internship programme was halted, however the Trust is planning on bringing it back in September this year.
Nikki is delighted the programme is coming back and believes it will benefit all involved.
She added: “With the UK unemployment rate between December 2020 – February 2021 at 4.9 per cent, it is vital this supported internship programme returns. If all goes to plan, we hope to be able to support the many young people currently unemployed.”