Ella’s Internship
Through college Ella was accepted on a supported internship programme. A supported internship is a structured work-based study programme for 16-24 year olds with SEND who have an EHCP. The internships provide the opportunity for young people to achieve paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace. The core aim of a supported internship is a substantial work placement facilitated by the support of a Job Coach.
Ella started her supported internship in February 2022 working on Reception at The Rossendale Trust. Her Job Coach provided in-work support full-time initially and then reduced their hours as Ella became more familiar with her role.
In July 2022, Ella was offered a paid job working as a Receptionist at The Rossendale Trust. She works two days a week and now only requires minimal support from her Job Coach.
In Ella’s words
‘I enjoy my job and all the people I work with. Here’s some of the important things that I do; I answer the telephone and transfer the phone calls to staff members, if nobody is there I take their phone number and a message. I then email the member of staff with the message. I make sure all visitors sign in on the iPad, I then ring the person who the visitor has come to see. Every morning I sort the post and take it to the staff. I use a franking machine to put stamps on the letters ready to give to the postman. I set up the meeting room with tea and coffee and after the meeting I tidy up and load the dishwasher. I use the photocopier when staff members ask me to photocopy their documents. I put Rossendale Trust information packs together ready for charity events. I am really pleased that I have achieved getting a paid job!’