Opening doors to employment
Five young people last week celebrated graduating from Gateshead Council's Supported Internship programme during a powerful ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre.
The event on Wednesday 23 July saw interns, their friends, family and council colleagues come together to mark the Class of 2025's impressive accomplishments over the past nine months. It was also a chance to highlight how the programme is empowering young people with additional needs to achieve their career aspirations.
As part of a new initiative run with the charity DFN Project Search, in September 2024 the council's Learning and Skills team welcomed their first cohort of 16- to 24-year-olds.
With support from job coaches, tutors and mentors, the group gained hands-on experience working in council departments from their Libraries team to Environmental services. Alongside this, interns had some dedicated time in the classroom learning how to apply for jobs, brushing up on their interview skills and crafting a CV.
This blended approach has seen real success elsewhere, with around 70% of interns going on to secure jobs after graduation. In its first year at the council, the programme is showing similar positive signs, with the Class of 2025 already finding roles or ready to make their next career move.
Sharing the difference their internship has made, graduating intern Kye said: "I've enjoyed my placement at the Gateshead Family Hubs and meeting new people. I've learned to travel on my own and organisational skills, and I've really built my confidence. My next step is starting as a Play Worker at the Family Hubs."
Councillor John Adams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, added: "A huge congratulations to our interns. It has been a pleasure hearing their stories and seeing how the council's Supported Internship programme has opened new doors for them. This programme shows that with the right support, everyone, including those with additional needs, can find meaningful employment and thrive in the workplace."
Building on the programme's inaugural year, the council is already beginning preparations to enrol their next cohort in September 2025 and supporting even more young people to thrive.
Five young people last week celebrated graduating from Gateshead Council's Supported Internship programme during a powerful ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre.
The event on Wednesday 23 July saw interns, their friends, family and council colleagues come together to mark the Class of 2025's impressive accomplishments over the past nine months. It was also a chance to highlight how the programme is empowering young people with additional needs to achieve their career aspirations.
As part of a new initiative run with the charity DFN Project Search, in September 2024 the council's Learning and Skills team welcomed their first cohort of 16- to 24-year-olds.
With support from job coaches, tutors and mentors, the group gained hands-on experience working in council departments from their Libraries team to Environmental services. Alongside this, interns had some dedicated time in the classroom learning how to apply for jobs, brushing up on their interview skills and crafting a CV.
This blended approach has seen real success elsewhere, with around 70% of interns going on to secure jobs after graduation. In its first year at the council, the programme is showing similar positive signs, with the Class of 2025 already finding roles or ready to make their next career move.
Sharing the difference their internship has made, graduating intern Kye said: "I've enjoyed my placement at the Gateshead Family Hubs and meeting new people. I've learned to travel on my own and organisational skills, and I've really built my confidence. My next step is starting as a Play Worker at the Family Hubs."
Councillor John Adams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, added: "A huge congratulations to our interns. It has been a pleasure hearing their stories and seeing how the council's Supported Internship programme has opened new doors for them. This programme shows that with the right support, everyone, including those with additional needs, can find meaningful employment and thrive in the workplace."
Building on the programme's inaugural year, the council is already beginning preparations to enrol their next cohort in September 2025 and supporting even more young people to thrive.
