Croxteth learners begin Supported Internship programme

Myerscough is working in partnership with Glendale Liverpool to deliver the Liverpool City Council Supported Internship Programme. Supported Internships are aimed at young people who want to move into employment and are intended to enable the young person to become ‘job ready’. This is done to try and break down the barriers between young people with learning difficulties and a potential employer.

The three Myerscough College Liverpool supported interns will attend a placement with Glendale Liverpool four days per week and attend College one day a week to brush up on their English and maths skills. The bust schedule is aimed at getting the group used to the routine that is expected when being in employment. Supported Internships normally last for one year and they include a work placement such as this. Students also complete a personalised Study Programme working towards a qualification.

Initially the interns are working at Anfield Cemetery and Stanley Park alongside their assigned Job Coach and the Glendale Liverpool team. Later in the programme they will be moving into other parks, one closer to home and then one that requires them to travel independently. Their Job Coach support will also gradually decrease in the workplace as they build their confidence.

The Job Coach also supports the Glendale Liverpool team, communicating how best to support the interns and breaking down the barriers further.

Helen Eaton, Assistant Principal – Liverpool & Partnerships at Myerscough College, said: ‘’At the end of this programme the interns stand a real chance of gaining employment.

‘’Their employability skills will be significantly enhanced from when they started. Their work colleagues and supervisors will have also had the opportunity to experience the value first hand of employing a young person with a learning difficulty or disability.

‘’A vital part of the programme is about removing misconceptions regarding young people with learning difficulties with employers. Many in the workplace are surprised what a positive contribution these young people make.’’

Myerscough College already operates a strong Supported Internship scheme at its other centres at Preston and at Witton Park in Blackburn.