Protected: Kyle’s Supported Internship
Embracing his first work placement role as a Leisure Attendant Cleaner Kyle showed that he could use his initiative, work independently and take his responsibilities seriously.
"The Supported Internship has made me a confident person. I feel very much a part of the Active Tameside team now."
Before becoming involved with Pure and starting on his Supported Internship, Kyle described himself as shy and lacking confidence. He had trouble interacting with strangers and suffered from anxiety in crowded environments.
The management team at Active Tameside Medlock were impressed with Kyle’s capabilities and positive attitude, soon identifying another role at the popular Sky High Adventure attraction.
In this role as an Arena Attendant, Kyle would be working directly with the public for the first time, assisting with inductions for the activities, such as Clip & Climb, Caving & Bouldering and the High Ropes.
Kyle undertook an interview for a dual role with Active Tameside, working as Facility Attendant Cleaner during the week and as a Sky High Arena Attendant on Saturdays. He was successful, and will be starting in a paid role!
Discussing how the Supported Internship has affected him, Kyle said:
Now that I’ve been offered a paid job at Active Tamside Medlock I feel proud of myself. I’ve never had a paid job before, and I felt I could never get a job with pay.
I’m earning money now, and I want to save up for a place of my own; have driving lessons and go on holiday to Cuba!
In talking about how the Supported Internship has changed his life, Kyle highlighted a very important but often overlooked aspect of being in work; the effects on health and well being:
It’s really improved my health and lifestyle. Before I started on the Supported Internship at Active Tameside Medlock I’d stay in my room, either sleeping or just playing on my console; I had no routine.
Now I’m active and I have my daily routine; working in a friendly, busy environment.
We’d like to thank our partners at Tameside Council, Tameside College and Active Tameside Medlock for making life-changing opportunities like this a reality.