Knowsley Community College Nominated for Prestigious Award

November 22, 2017

Knowsley Community College has been nominated for a prestigious Knowsley Business Award in recognition of their innovative Supported Internship Programme. The Corporate Social Responsibility Award, recognises the contribution of a business or organisation to social responsibilities.

The Supported Internship Programme was developed in early May last year by the College in partnership with Knowsley Council. It gives students with special education needs and disabilities an opportunity to prepare for their future career through mentored work placements, both at the Council and in the wider community.

The Programme, which runs over an academic year, allows interns to experience up to three work placements whilst also being supported by an assigned Job Coach and Job Tutor. Students gain a range of valuable skills while in their placements including customer service, food hygiene and office etiquette.

The Programme has already witnessed success since it launched in September 2016 with all 11 interns successfully securing permanent and voluntary roles.

Former intern Terry Smith now works as a Catering Assistant at Kirkby High School and is thoroughly enjoying his new role in which he prepares, cooks and serves staff and students breakfast and lunch meals. Terry highly commended his experience, saying; “I’ve never been happier. I’m so excited to get up and go to work every day. All my work friends are great too, everyone is really nice.”

The awards which will take place on Thursday 23rd November at the spectacular Grand Marquee in the grounds of Knowsley Safari celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and commitment of the individuals and organisations that are driving forward Knowsley’s economic success.

To find out more information on the Supported Internship Programme visit www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk/supported-learning