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Bridgend County Borough Council welcomes first cohort to supported internship programme

The programme supports young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to gain workplace skills and experience.

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Bridgend County Borough Council welcomed its first group of interns under the DFN Project SEARCH supported internship programme.

Eight interns began training with the council in September. 

The programme supports young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to gain workplace skills and experience.

The council worked with Bridgend College, Elite Supported Employment and DFN Project SEARCH to deliver the programme.

The interns will complete three 10-week placements across a range of council services.

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The council previously supported two interns through placements at Bryn y Cae care home. 

Both later secured permanent roles at the home.

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing at Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome our first cohort of Project SEARCH interns to Bridgend County Borough Council. 

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“This is about much more than gaining workplace experience – it is about opening doors, building confidence and creating genuine pathways into paid employment.

“We know that the transition from education into employment can be particularly challenging for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.”

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Gebbie added: “As a council, we have a responsibility to be an inclusive employer and to make sure talent and potential are not overlooked.

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“We have already seen the difference these opportunities can make, with two young people progressing from placements at Bryn y Cae to permanent employment. 

“I hope this programme will build on that success and give our new interns the skills, confidence and opportunities to shape their own futures.”

She said: “And importantly, this is a two-way opportunity. Our interns have as much to teach us as we have to teach them, bringing new perspectives, experiences and talents into our workforce. 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what they achieve.”

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Kathryn Sweet, curriculum manager for care, childhood studies and independent living skills at Bridgend College, said: “It is fantastic to see our new interns taking this first step into the workplace and beginning what we hope will be a really positive and rewarding year for them. 

“Supported internships give our learners the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a real working environment, while receiving the support they need to succeed.

“Seeing the success of Jessica and Chloe, who have progressed from their supported internships into permanent employment with the Council, shows just what can be achieved when young people are given the right opportunities and support.” 

Sweet added: “We are incredibly proud of our new cohort and excited to see where this experience takes them.”

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