Ceremony Held for Young People Completing Council Internship


Achievement of 10 interns with special needs recognised


The interns with their graduation certificates

Last week, Hounslow Council hosted an official graduation ceremony to celebrate ten young residents, with special educational needs, who had completed the Council’s internship programme. Held at Hounslow House, the young residents were presented with a certificate by Councillor Lily Bath – Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Employment.

The project, called Project SEARCH, is run in partnership with the Council, West Thames College and the supported employment service Kaleidoscope Sabre.

The internship offers young people, aged 17-24, with real-world work experience and a comprehensive support package as they transition from education into employment.

The interns worked in an array of roles at the Council – ranging from ‘hands on’ jobs with the Park Rangers Team to supporting Public Health’s ‘Winter Ready’ campaign. Along with practical work experience, the interns benefitted from a tutor at West Thames College and were mentored by a dedicated careers coach at Kaleidoscope Sabre.

Shirya Sharma, who graduated from the internship, said, “This internship has helped me so much, I got to meet amazing individuals with a similar background to me. I learnt how to build a professional profile and succeed at any workplace. From this internship, I now have a job at Greggs.”

Other graduates have now progressed into employment at Ealing Council, Snakes and Ladders, West Thames College and London Museum of Water and Steam.

Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Children, Learning and Employment, said, “It's been an amazing year for this group of interns and I’m so proud of their achievements - gaining invaluable work experience.

“Hounslow is committed to ensuring every young person in the borough has the very best start in life and these internships is just one example of how we are expanding young people’s horizons and aspirations.”

Cllr Lily Bath with Shirya Sharma
Cllr Lily Bath with Shirya Sharma

Over the duration of the internship programme, young people complete three different work experience placements within a host business, which include local businesses Jungle VIP and Lampton Community Services.

Participants also work towards a City and Guilds qualification in employability skills, which all interns passed with flying colours.

To apply for the next internship, visit West Thames College website.

 

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July 5, 2022