Nineteen young people have celebrated their achievements as they graduate from this year’s cohort of Cardiff and Vale College’s award-winning Supported Internship programme at Dow Silicones UK and Cardiff University.
Now in its eighth year, CAVC’s Supported Internship programme has provided support to people with additional learning needs or disabilities who need extra support to move towards and into work. The national average of young people with additional learning needs successfully securing employment is 4.8%, while the success of this collaborative programme across the region has seen 59.8% of interns into sustained employment.
This year’s programme has expanded its reach and breadth of work placement opportunities. The interns journey was further enriched by new external placements at Insole Court and The Parkgate Hotel, the latter of which is set to host its own Supported Internship programme in September 2024.
At Dow Silicones UK eight interns proudly graduated from the program, which is now in its fifth year. Dow Silicones Barry Site Director Andrew Laney told the graduates: “This is one of the largest silicones manufacturing facilities on the planet, and you are now part of the 37,000-strong global Dow workforce. Congratulations, and carry this pride forward.”
Kim Eversham, On-SITE Business Liaison and Quality Manager at Dow Silicones said: “Thanks to your different perspectives and ways of working, we have reached significant milestones including Dow Silicones becoming a Disability Confident Leader. We've become better coaches, we have become better listeners, we have become better trainers, we have become better people, we have become a better site, and i think we've become a better employer.”
CAVC launched its first Supported Internship programme at Cardiff University eight years ago. This year 11 interns graduated.
Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Damian Walford Davies said: “We are very proud to be the first employer in Wales to engage with the Supported Internship Programme, originally Project Search, with which we now have a long history. The programme has taught all involved that with the right support our institutions can be inclusive spaces for disabled and or autistic people.
“This is what the programme puts into practice, along with enhancing students’ skills and helping them attain and maintain employment. The project takes its place proudly in our civic mission and research activities. We’re delighted to be part of it.”
Sian Clarke, Operations Manager for the Elite Supported Employment Agency said: ‘’It was a fantastic graduation and everyone from ELITE is so proud of the achievements of each intern on this year’s programme. It was wonderful to see how empowered they were and happy to stand up in front of the audience and talk about their experiences and become positive role models, to the interns of the future’’.
Cardiff and Vale College Vice Principal, Business Development, James Scorey said: “Changing lives through learning is our purpose, and it’s a privilege to witness this change firsthand. We are so grateful to have exceptional host business partners in Dow Silicones and Cardiff University who are both leading the way both regionally and nationally in Wales.”
The On-SITE Supported Internship programme stands as a testament to the power of inclusive learning and the remarkable achievements that can be realised when partners work collaboratively to support young people with additional learning needs. These programmes underpin our civic mission commitment of promoting or improving the economic, social, environmental or cultural wellbeing of Wales and beyond.