Shropshire hospitals welcome nine new interns with learning disabilities and autism as part of employment project

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has partnered with DFN Project Search, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Colleges Group, to offer young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and paid employment in areas such as catering, housekeeping, pharmacy, pathology and radiology. 

Nine interns have joined the trust as part of the second cohort of the employment project.  

According to DFN, the project has demonstrated that young people with learning disabilities and autism can enrich the workforce, bring incredible skills and talent, and encourage greater diversity. 

To date, the programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has achieved an average employment rate of 60 per cent, compared to the national average of six per cent for people with learning disabilities and autism.

The first cohort of interns finished last summer, and each young adult graduated as 'job ready', with some some securing paid employment at the trust.

This includes Lauren Clarke who is now a porter at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) after she completed the programme after undertaking rotations in catering and portering. 

Lauren said: "The internship has been life-changing. It has given me the skills and confidence to take on full time employment, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.

"I absolutely loved my rotation in portering, and it felt too good to be true when a role came up. I was nervous about doing an interview, but the DFN team supported me with my preparations, and I was thrilled to be given a job. I love coming to work every day and love knowing I am making a difference for our patients."

Ali Beshir, portering and logistics manager at RSH, added: "Lauren came into our team and hit the ground running with ideas and enthusiasm. She has had a hugely positive impact on the team and makes a difference to our patients every day. We are so proud to have her in our team."

The trust has now begun its second cohort, welcoming Charlie Thomas who started his DFN journey at SaTH in September after studying at college.

He is undertaking three rotational placements within the communications team and portering.

Charlie said: "I wanted to do something that I've never done before. Since starting the programme my confidence has increased, and I have loved every minute of it so far. I’ve learnt all about timekeeping, communication skills and even practical skills like how to safely push a wheelchair.

"I would encourage everyone to consider the programme. Everyone is friendly and helpful and are supporting me to be ready for a job at the end of it. My dream would be to get a job as a porter, and I think the programme is helping me to gain the skills I need."

Rhia Boyode, chief people officer, added: "We have been delighted to welcome the second cohort of interns to the trust, following a successful first cohort last summer.

"As outlined in our people strategy, we are focusing on increasing alternative routes into roles in the trust and working with local partners to address our long-term workforce needs.

"Fundamental to our plans is strengthening an inclusive culture of diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement to support us in delivering outstanding care for our patients."

Shrewsbury Colleges Group will host an online event next Tuesday (January 28) between 5pm and 6pm for people who would like to find out about the next cohort. 

Further information can be found at Project Search Supported Internship Information Evening.