Katy’s Internship & Work Story

Sometimes we here at Pure are asked “what happens if there’s no job available at the end of a Supported Internship?”

Well, the core of every Supported Internship is to help the interns gain key transferable work skills and experience that they can apply to any job, any future challenge.

Katy’s story began on one of Tameside Hospital’s busy Adult Medicine wards, where the staff gave her training in housekeeping duties initially, then on some of the day to day administration tasks.

Even though she did very well with the tasks at hand, Katy was given the chance to branch out a little more with her second placement and expand her skills; this time on the Day Surgery & Endoscopy ward.

This role was much more interactive, and saw Katy helping with ward refreshments and keeping spirits up with the patients. The reaction of the patients and the staff was a real confidence boost for Katy, and it gave her an idea of what she wanted to do next.

The Leap Centre in Tameside is a community space for local adults and children to learn, socialize and be inspired. Its a great project, and its here that Katy has found paid work as the centre’s Meet & Greet Assistant.

In this role, Katy gets to use all of the skills she acquired during her Supported Internship placements. Her duties involve customer interaction, data entry, admin and phone tasks, alongside helping out with hospitality and even in the crèche!

Leanne Bold, from the Leap Centre says:

“Katy is a fantastic asset to the charity; always happy to help on reception and throughout. She’s such a fun character. Our fabulous Katy!”

She’s not just thrown herself into her work at the Leap Centre either; Katy’s confidence has grown so much that she’s been out and about fundraising for the charity as well as taking time to talk about her experiences at Tameside College’s Supported Internship event in June.

Time for a quick fundraising selfie with Leanne!

Regards the whole experience, Katy’s Mum says:

“It’s been fantastic for Katy. She really, really enjoys going to the Leap Centre, and she’s always ready to help out. Loves the bingo.”

In her own words, Katy says:

“Before work I enjoyed dancing and colouring in. Lots of colouring in. Now I’m working I’ve met a new friend, Rumbi, and I can’t wait to get paid so we can go shopping together!”

Letting us know that she’s changed her outlook but not her passions, Katy assured us:

“I’m going to use the money I’m paid to treat my Mum and buy a LOT of new colour pens!”

We’d like to thank our partners; Tameside College, Tameside Council and Tameside Yes scheme, Active Tameside, Tameside Hospital without whom the Supported Internship programme would not be possible. Their help and support are key in giving disadvantaged young people a chance to experience the workplace and potentially find employment.

Thanks also go to Katy’s employers, Tameside Hospital and The Leap Centre, whose provided the placements and whose support has been invaluable.