A Hartlepool project creating life-changing opportunities for people with additional needs is going from strength to strength, with a retail giant now throwing its weight behind the scheme.
The Hartlepool Supported Internship Programme – a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council, consultancy DFN Project Search and local employers – provides a structured, work-based learning programme to help young people aged 16-24 with additional needs and/or autism gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to move into paid employment.
The scheme has received another major boost after Asda Hartlepool joined the partnership – the first time the Hartlepool store has done anything like this.
Asda has welcomed nine young people into supported internships, with them each spending time learning the ropes in a range of different store areas including fresh and frozen food, George, health and beauty and general grocery items over a total nine month period.
As well as trying out different job roles in real working environments, the interns learn practical skills, timekeeping and communication, discover what kind of work they are good at and build their confidence and independence, all the time continuing with education and training and receiving support from job coaches and mentors.
From left: Councillor Aaron Roy, Rob Cecere of Asda Hartlepool, five of the supported interns - Aimee Mitchell, Joshua Grainger, Marc Phillips, Kieran Hunter and Noah Hunter - and Beth Madigan of DFN Project Search
Just a few weeks into their placements, the interns and Asda are already seeing major benefits.
Noah Hunter, who is 19, said: “I’m really enjoying it – it gives me a reason to come out of the house. It lets me do work and I’m really enjoying doing that.
“It’s made me more confident and has helped me improve my timekeeping. The staff in Asda are really nice and are always there if you need a helping hand.”
Aimee Mitchell, who is 20, said: “I am enjoying it – I feel good coming into work every morning and I’m proud of myself and happy, and I’m looking forward to the next few months.”
Councillor Aaron Roy, Vice-Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome Asda Hartlepool to the partnership – it’s testament to the confidence employers have in the Supported Internships scheme.
“For people with additional needs and/or autism, gaining and sustaining employment can often be far more difficult than for those who don’t have them, and these internships help change lives, building independence and confidence and showcasing the young people’s drive and determination.
“They are also good for business, increasing an employer’s confidence to develop employees with additional needs and increasing the diversity of the workforce, reflecting its customer base. We’d love more firms to follow Asda’s lead and come onboard.”
Rob Cecere, Asda Hartlepool General Store Manager, said: “Comparing how the interns were on day one when they first came in for the interviews with now just a few weeks later, we’ve already seen how they’ve grown, with their potential and passion shining through.
“We’re so excited to support this project and we’re really looking forward to the coming months and seeing how these young people continue to flourish.”
Beth Madigan, Programme Specialist for DFN Project Search, said: “We know that supported internships can change lives but we also know that it can really benefit a business and they can make use of an untapped talent pool.
“We’re really excited to see the ripple effect of this programme in Hartlepool, benefitting the community and raising aspirations for young adults with additional needs and/or autism and building a more inclusive workforce in the community.”
If you’re a Hartlepool business keen to get involved – or if you’re someone who would like to join one of the Supported Internships programmes – email SI@hartlepool.gov.uk