The College Merthyr Tydfil and Prince Charles Hospital are thrilled to announce the successful completion of their highly acclaimed Supported Internship Programme for the second year running.
The initiative, in partnership with Project SEARCH, provides an invaluable opportunity for young individuals with autism and/or learning difficulties to gain real-life work experience, develop employability skills, and enhance their independence, ultimately facilitating their transition into productive adult lives.
Over the past year, 8 interns, namely, Abigail, Stephan, William, Nathan, Sam, Morgan, Mathew and Liam have demonstrated tremendous dedication and resilience as they undertook rotations through various departments within Prince Charles Hospital.
The interns were supported throughout their journey by a job coach from Elite Supported Employment Agency and Gavin Llewelyn from the ILS department in the college, who provided guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
Reflecting on their experiences, the interns expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunities provided by the programme.
Mathew said:
“I love how much I’ve changed as a person. I’ve worked with an amazing team, and I’ve been able to get a job in the hospital doing something I love” The sentiments were echoed by their peers, who shared their aspirations to contribute to the hospital and help others while gaining valuable skills and confidence.
Tutor, Gavin Llewellyn said:
“Seeing the interns grow in confidence throughout the year is amazing. They can take all the new skills they have acquired to participate in a competitive job market, and hopefully find meaningful employment.”
This successful collaboration between The College Merthyr Tydfil, Prince Charles Hospital, and Project SEARCH stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with autism and/or learning difficulties.
By providing tailored support and practical experience, these initiatives pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce, benefitting both individuals and the organisations they join.
