Stepping Hill supports interns with learning difficulties

Stockport’s Stepping Hill hospital has given great new opportunities to students with learning disabilities.  

An expanded scheme will give young people with learning difficulties and disabilities a chance to get on-the-job training and career opportunities.

Ten student interns will begin a placement at the hospital in September, working in roles including administration, reception and catering. The placements run for 12 months. They involve working and training with staff for four days a week, with classroom based training for the remaining day.

The project is a joint scheme between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, the Cheadle College, Marple Sixth Form College and Pure Innovations – a charity which helps people with disabilities live independent lives.

Pure Innovations have previously worked with the hospital on placements, but the new scheme is an expansion in both the number of interns and the degree of training on offer.

Interns will receive a BTEC qualification, with the aim for full-time paid positions at the hospital to follow where possible.

Sue Clark, equality and diversity manager at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, said, “This is a great opportunity for both the interns and the hospital. The interns gain vital skills and confidence and our staff and patients get invaluable help and support from the students.”

Caroline Morgan, senior employment advisor at Pure Innovations said “We are delighted to launch the supported internship in partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Cheadle and Marple College Network. The interns are going to gain valuable skills to enable them to progress onto paid employment and we are looking forward to seeing the progression and development they make over the coming year.”

Lu Barrie, head of inclusive curriculum at the Cheadle and Marple College Network said “We are so pleased to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to our students, and we look forward to them gaining lots of employment experience and where possible, paid outcomes as a direct result of the course.”