A group of young people with learning disabilities and autism have celebrated completing a supported internship at local hospitals.
The programme gives 16 to 24-year-olds valuable, real‑life work experience across Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals and is helping improve their employment opportunities and independence.
It’s delivered by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with South Essex College and Chelmsford College.
Over the past year, ten interns have worked in a wide range of roles, including supporting clinical teams as Healthcare Assistants, as well as positions in portering, catering, medical records, coding and audiology. These placements help them build confidence, develop practical skills and explore future career opportunities.
One of this year’s group who is already taking their next steps is Cody Girrard, 20, from Southend. Cody, a student at South Essex College, has secured a permanent, full‑time role at Basildon Hospital as a general porter.
He said: “What motivated me to do this internship was the idea that if I worked for it I could secure a permanent job at the end and support my family financially. Looking at who I was at the beginning and looking at where I am now, I feel more confident in myself and a lot more mature. I’d like to keep developing my skills and progress further in my role.”
Throughout the programme, interns were supported by dedicated job coaches, who helped them settle into busy working environments and make the most of their experience.
Cody’s job coach from South Essex College, Justin Burvill, said: “With the support of the management and mentors in the portering team, Cody has gained the confidence and skills needed to progress in his new role within the NHS. Seeing him do this has been a real pleasure – I’m very proud of him and excited to see what he achieves next.”
To mark the end of the programme, a small graduation ceremony was held at Basildon Hospital with family, job coaches and NHS staff there to celebrate the interns’ achievements.
The programme is now in its fifth year and has helped 90 people over that time. It continues to work with young people from local communities, helping to reduce inequalities and support them into meaningful employment within the NHS.
Young people interested in the Supported Internship Programme can apply through the websites of South Essex College and Chelmsford College.
