Internship Insights

Today’s meeting was sponsored by Newark Orchard School, Vision West Nottinghamshire College and logistics company GXO. In the first presentation, representatives from these organisations described how businesses can help young people with additional needs to transition smoothly from education to work through supported internships.

Although 100% of young people with additional needs want to work, only 1.2% of adults with a learning disability are in employment in Nottinghamshire. The supported internship programme gives young people the opportunity to gain work experience with local businesses while developing their skills and confidence. During the programme, each participant has a job coach, whose assistance is gradually phased out as the young person gains skills, experience and confidence.

Newark Orchard School partners with local employers to provide its students with careers advice and work experience. The school offers its students a wide range of vocational courses that pave the way for them working with local businesses under the supported internship programme. Where possible, the courses allow students to practise skills in the local community, such as working on maintenance projects at Sconce and Devon Park.

Whilst several local businesses are already employing former students of Newark Orchard School, Kate Fell, the school’s Careers Leader, emphasised the great need for more employers to provide supported internships to assist school leavers with moving into the world of work.

Hollie Jevons Saunders from GXO, a local logistics company, spoke about the positive impact of GXO’s participation in the supported internship programme. It has helped the company to bring more diversity and a wider range of different perspectives into their workforce. It has also led to some workplace adjustments, such as flexible hours and providing audio or visual alternatives to reading formats.

Employers’ participation in the supported internship programme is free of charge. After completing the programme, many young people are offered permanent paid jobs with their host business. The ultimate goal of the programme is sustainable employment.

For many young people, the supported internship programme is a stepping stone to their first job and then to a career in their chosen industry. Louise Dakin from Vision West Nottinghamshire College revealed that, in 2022-23, 55% of young people completing the supported internship programme went onto paid employment, with a further 36% securing voluntary positions.

Member Spotlight – Yvonne Wilkinson, Simply Resilience

Anna from EDAN Lincs (Ending Domestic Abuse Now in Lincolnshire) shared the worrying statistic that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. EDAN Lincs helped over 13,000 people to break free from domestic abuse in 2022-23. Its confidential support services include providing safe accommodation for adults and children affected by domestic abuse and offering practical and legal advice. EDAN Lincs also offers training courses, including training for business owners to become domestic abuse champions who are skilled in recognising the early warning signs of domestic abuse.

Maria Hanson MBE, the founder of me & dee charity, described how the charity creates memories for people when time is short. For example, the charity hires a sensory and splash pool for children who cannot access mainstream swimming for health reasons. Me & dee also gives a cuddly elephant toy named Hope to children who will be separated from their families while in hospital. It incorporates a voice recorder in the elephant’s ear, allowing family members to leave messages that the child can listen to. A donation of £30 will pay for a Hope elephant toy and business sponsorship packages are also available.

Claire Clements & Jackie Wilson, the co-founders of the social enterprise, Positively Empowered Kids, spoke about the importance of good mental health. A show of hands revealed that almost everyone in the room had been affected by mental health issues either directly or indirectly. Positively Empowered Kids aims to help children to grow into happier and more resilient adults. Since 2019, Positively Empowered Kids has helped 7,500 young people to improve their mental health and develop resilience through workshops, festivals and the Incredible Me Day for families with neuro-divergent children.

After a vote by all attendees at the end of the meeting, Newark Business Club’s charity of the quarter was announced. Mee & Dee’s inspiring work in the local community will be supported by a total donation of £600 from the club and Newark Round Table.