Celebrating the Class of 2021
“It’s been a really good experience – I even got nominated for employee of the month! My favourite part of the internship has been meeting so many different people. I will be sad to finish but I have learnt and built on an array of skills.”
21-year-old Aaron Lowe is one of 12 young people from Greenbank College in Aigburth who have recently finished a full-time internship at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He has spent the last year working in the postal room at Broadgreen Hospital and theatre stores, as part of evidence-based model DFN Project SEARCH. Using the skills, experience and confidence developed during his time at the Trust, he is now looking to apply for a job via the government’s Kickstart Scheme.
DFN Project SEARCH is an international programme designed to help support young people with learning disabilities and autism access high quality work-related learning. Through immersive supported internships, students gain marketable skills that lead to much-improved opportunities to access long-term, full time paid employment.
These students were the first group to undertake the internship at the Liverpool University Hospitals. The programme, which is supported by Liverpool City Council, has proven to have such a positive impact that its success has been recognised with the ‘Stand Out Partnership’ award at this year’s DFN Project SEARCH Spotlight Awards.
For Joel Harris, he has loved working in the Health and Safety Department. The 24-year-old has been helping the team with data handling, audits and with inspections around the hospital.
Joel said: “What I have enjoyed most from the internship has been getting out around the site on the inspections. Health and safety is a priority for all; patients, staff and visitors. I’ve very passionate about it and I would like to apply for a job in the sector now after this experience. I’d recommend the internship to anyone.”
Jenny Darlington, Joel’s mentor and Health and Safety Advisor at the Trust, said: “Hearing about how much Joel has enjoyed his placement with us and what he has learnt (on top of his already exceptional knowledge in our area!), has made me burst with pride. His confidence has grown massively and is noticeable to all of us. I couldn’t be prouder of this young man and I can’t promote this amazing supported internship project highly enough.”
In September 2021, a group of new students will be following in the footsteps of Aaron, Joel and others with the opportunity to enjoy a rotation of roles in areas such as outpatients, therapies, the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), estates, porters and catering.
Jason Brannan, Deputy Chief People Officer (Education and Organisational Development) at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s been a really positive partnership with both Greenbank College and Liverpool City Council. We’re proud to have been able to facilitate internship opportunities that have helped support these 12 young people.
“As part of our wider role and duty as an anchor institution in the region, we are committed to investing in our local people and creating opportunities for their futures. I hope the students have enjoyed their time spent with us, gaining the confidence and a varied set of skills to support them into their future careers. We look forward to welcoming our second group of DFN Project SEARCH interns in September.”
Karen Haskayne, tutor and employability coordinator at Greenbank College, said: “It’s been amazing to see the progression of the students – they have developed so many skills on each rotation and have really matured. It’s great that one of our interns, Charlie, has gone on to secure full time employment and we are actively working with the other students to secure jobs. We’re so proud of them and wish them well for an exciting future of great possibilities.”