CTM UHB Apprenticeship Academy Hosts Final Graduations for the 2023 Project Search Interns
This week, in collaboration with partners Bridgend College, Merthyr College, and Elite Supported Employment, the CTMUHB Apprenticeship Academy hosted graduation ceremonies for our Project Search Supported Interns at both the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital.
The programme has been running in CTMUHB for four years, and provides placements for young people (the supported intern) with a learning difficulty and/or Autism, to gain work experience within different departments. Over the course of a year and with the support of a Tutor from the college and Job Coach from the Elite, the supported intern is provided with practical experiences of the working world, gaining confidence to work independently.
Rhian Lewis, Learning and Development Business Partner who oversees the programme said: “It has been wonderful to be able to celebrate with our partners, supported interns, parents, guardians, CTMUHB managers and mentors. Over the course of a year, the supported interns have made a huge impact within our services, and today was all about celebrating their successes.”
During the celebration, Andrea Wayman CEO for Elite Supported Employment presented Cwm Taf Morgannwg with an Engage to Change Employer Award, recognising the CTMUHB team for their dedication and passion for supported internships.
Impact of Project Search
Many supported interns have benefited from the programme at CTMUHB, with 22% of them gaining employment within the Health Board following their internship. Others have gone on to gain employment and volunteering opportunities within our communities.
Krystal was a 2022 Project Search graduate and is employed at CTMUHB in Housekeeping. Krystal says: “I’m really enjoying my job and it feels good to earn my own money. I love being part of the Housekeeping Team. I am really thankful for the project and everyone at Cwm Taf Morgannwg for offering me the opportunity.”
Aaron was a 2020 Project Search graduate and is employed at CTMUHB as a Catering Assistant at The Princess of Wales Hospital, Aaron says: “Being an intern has honestly been life-changing. I wouldn’t have had this job without the support. I’ve learned lots of new skills and my confidence has gone through the roof. I would like to wish the best of luck to class the class of 2023”.
Ellie Elias an intern on the 22/23 program added, “This internship has been a great learning experience as I was able to try many different things, learning new skills and improving existing skills. It has been a challenge, but if something does not challenge you, it won’t change you and that starts with you being put out of your comfort zone”.
Next Steps for Supported Internships
We are looking forward to welcoming our new Supported Interns in September, where the project will expand to our Royal Glamorgan Hospital site.
We are encouraging managers to come forward to offer their support through a placement. Rhian Lewis adds: “Without the kind help and dedication from our managers and mentors in CTMUHB, this project would not be a success. Our current interns have gained incredible skills to enable them to progress onto employment, volunteering and apprenticeships. We wish them all the very best as they start the next stage in their journey.”
04/07/2023