Two graduates with neurodivergent conditions have completed three-month paid internships with Cardiff-based housebuilder Bellway Wales through the Change 100 programme.
Ella Griffiths and Lewys Evans, both 22, who both graduated this summer, spent time in the sales, customer care and commercial departments.
Change 100, run by Ability Pathways Community Interest Company, matches university students and recent graduates who have a disability or long-term condition with employers.
Ella, from Cardiff, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, graduated in philosophy, politics and economics from Queen’s University Belfast. Her placement in the commercial department has been extended by a further three months, and she is considering applying for Bellway’s graduate scheme after developing an interest in quantity surveying.
She said: “It has sometimes been difficult to get extra time on the online tasks and I have gone to interviews when I have asked for the questions ahead of time and not received them. What was really good about Change 100 was that I was given a link beforehand. It was a really supportive onboarding process.”
Lewys, from Merthyr Tydfil, who has dyslexia and autism, graduated in English and creative writing from the University of South Wales. He plans to use the skills he gained to apply for a range of office-based roles.
He said: “This internship has completely changed my perception of the working world and given me a great insight into the opportunities that are available. The variety of skills I have learned has filled up a page on my CV and I feel a lot more confident.”
Daniel Shone, Head of Sales at Bellway Wales, said: “As an inclusive employer which is committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and recruiting people from a wide range of backgrounds, we are proud to be part of the Change 100 programme.”
Bellway Wales is building new homes across South Wales, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.
