2 weeks Ago
Young people are being given a helping a hand into work through a groundbreaking scheme, which has been brought to Bolton for the first time. Fifteen young people have signed up for valuable work experience with local employers, hoping to gain the skills they need to go on to permanent jobs. The young people taking part are students at LifeBridge college and eight started their supported internships, which can last up to a year, in September at Asda in Farnworth .
Bolton College and Amazon are also offering new supported internships for young people at its Logistics North site in Bolton. If a suitable job comes up, they can switch to it and leave their internships early. The programme is a partnership between local employers, Bolton Council, Bolton College, LifeBridge ASEND and national charity DFN Project Search.
Jane Haslam, principal of LifeBridge, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Asda . “When we first met with the Asda store manager, Jennifer Court, we instinctively knew that they were absolutely the right organisation to partner with.” READ MORE: Amazon donates £1,000 to Bolton domestic abuse charity Asda’s Christmas advert sees gnomes save Christmas Bolton College gets ready to open 'exceptional' extension Norma Avison, who supports young people in her role as a tutor and job coach, is delighted with the progress they have made in such a short time.
She said: “Staff at the Farnworth store have embraced our young people into the workforce and are really on board with helping them to develop the work skills they need to hopefully lead to paid employment.” Mohammed Khalil is at the start of his placement and is already settling into work at the store. He said:"I feel so grateful to be a part of this internship, the support I have received from tutors and staff to reach this destination has been incredible.
“The staff at Asda have made us all feel so welcome and part of the Asda family." Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy , said:“We want everyone in Bolton to have the opportunity to progress, find a job they enjoy and become independent. “Schemes like this are invaluable and I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“Our young people are doing us – and themselves – proud.” Tom Martin, Head of Foundation and ESOL at Bolton College, said:“Providing this opportunity to our learners is invaluable, we have already seen them make incredible progress; they are developing true work skills and we are delighted to be preparing them for a successful career after the internship.” Monika Gibson, who tutors at Amazon for the supported internship, said:“Amazon has been fantastic with our learners; they have supported them through the on-boarding process and supported their needs to integrate into the workplace.
“I am so happy with the work our learners and Amazon are doing together.” Supported internships are available to all young people aged 16 and over with an Education Health and Care Plan, and with the internships due to run again next year, organisers are keen for anyone who is interested to get in touch..
