Halesowen College and Dudley College are hosting a special event on Wednesday 8 November to showcase their Supported Internship Programmes.

An array of local businesses have been invited to learn about the untapped potential of young people who are completing the programmes at both Colleges, engage with other employers and hear from guest speakers about the impact of the programme on their businesses.

Lots of businesses are already supporting, mentoring, and have employed students with additional needs.

The event is being held at the Black Country Living Museum from 2pm to 4pm where there will be guest speakers from DPD, Audi, Halesowen and the Merry Hill Centre talking about how mentoring Supported Internship students has benefitted their businesses.

Claire Hawkes, Supported Internship Co-ordinator at Halesowen College, said: “The Supported Internship Programmes are about supporting our talented young people to make the transition from education to employment.

“The businesses we are already working with have found working with our students incredibly rewarding for all involved.”

Kate Gibbs, Aspire Job Coach at Dudley College, said: “Supported internships provide a programme for learners to move from education into employment. An intern will spend most of their time in the workplace with the support of a specially trained job coach.

“The programme is dedicated towards building aspirations, confidence and independence enabling learners to contribute to the workplace and become valued employees.

“The involvement of local employers is key in creating accessible opportunities for paid employment for local young people with SEND”.

For more details contact Claire at chawkes@halesowen.ac.uk or Kate at kate.gibbs@dudleycol.ac.uk

For more details please contact Claire Hawkes at Halesowen College on 0121 602 7777 #8050