Supported Internship

Continuing our relationship with the Royal Shakespeare company we now have five

students, aged between 17 and 19, currently on a supported internship programme. They work in a varied selection of departments which include, the Executive Office, Human Resources, Front of House, Education, Events and Exhibitions, Maintenance, Gardening and Prop hire.

Each Intern had to go through a selection process that involved identifying their skills, a group interview, a presentation and spending time in departments. The RSC departments did their best at matching the Interns skills and interests with their departments needs.

The Interns are based at the RSC for a whole academic year. The project is designed to give those involved a true perspective and understanding of what being at work is like. They are supported by two job coaches who work for the school but are also based at the RSC. The role of the job coach is to continue to develop functional English and Mathsskills during the first hour of everyday and to work on an Open Award on Employability. Communication between thejob coaches and mentors in each department is essential to support any learning of tasks required in the job and to make sure any social and emotional issues are dealt with.

The Interns are developing numerous work based skills which include problem solving, teamwork, communication, time management, but just as important they are developing their social skills.

As a result of building their confidence, knowledge and independence we are hoping that we will increase their chances of employability. This project in its pilot year is proving to be a great stepping stone into the workplace.