Worcestershire County Council Announce New NHS Supported Internship Partnership

Starting in September, Young Adult Learning (YAL), in partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire Children First, and HFT Learning Allies, will provide year-long work experience placements at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. This program is designed for young adults with special educational needs and an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

The program, a part of DFN Project Search, is tailored for young adults who can work independently but need support in a busy environment like a hospital.

It serves as a stepping stone for those considering apprenticeships or other employment opportunities but require additional support to make the transition.

Worcestershire County Councillor Adam Kent, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy & Skills, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme: “This initiative not only helps develop essential skills but also demonstrates our commitment to offering equitable employment opportunities to all our residents. We are dedicated to building a skilled workforce for the future of our economy by tapping into the incredible talent across the county. I’m really excited to see how our Supported Interns get on, and I’ll be eagerly watching their progress and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

The Supported Internships at Worcestershire Royal Hospital provide a structured pathway for young people to gain hands-on experience in a variety of roles, tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. This collaborative effort underscores the hospital’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for all members of the community.

Additionally, interns will be eligible for a £1000 Supported Internship bursary from INclusive Worcestershire to assist with essential work-related costs such as equipment and travel expenses.

Anna Lee, Manager for Learning Services Worcestershire, expressed her enthusiasm: "Our aim is to help young people gain crucial skills and experience in a real-world setting, ultimately empowering them to achieve their career goals. Each intern will receive job coach support, learn new tasks, and build relationships within the hospital to ensure a supportive transition into the workforce. Our Young Adult Learning team will help them every step of their journey, alongside our colleagues at Careers Worcestershire and those within the NHS too.”

Applications are now being accepted ahead of a September start. Interested individuals can contact Young Adult Learning at 01905 728537 or YoungAdultLearning@worcestershire.gov.uk.