Students with learning disabilities to take up roles at Stepping Hill Hospital

Ten students with learning disabilties will take up work placements at Stepping Hill Hospital thanks to a link-up between Pure Innovations, Cheadle & Marple College and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

The interns aged eight to 25 will undertake a full five-day week, with four days on placements learning practical work skills and the fifth spent in the classroom studying towards a BTEC qualification, aiming towards full-time paid positions at the hospital where possible.

The students will have three rotations across the hospital site that will give them an insight and experience of the range of jobs across the site.

Caroline Morgan, Senior Employment Officer at Pure Innovations, said: “We are delighted to launch the Supported Internship in partnership with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Cheadle & Marple College Network.

“The interns are going to gain valuable skills to enable them to progress into paid employment and we are looking forward to seeing the progression and development they make over the coming year.”

The course will start in September 2016 and run through the academic year with students coming from Cheadle & Marple College or Castle Hill school.

Sue Clark, Equality and Diversity Manager at Stockport NHS Foundation, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, added: “This is a great opportunity for both the interns gaining vital skills and confidence and our staff and patients getting invaluable help and support from the students.”

Lu Barrie, Head of Inclusive Curriculum at Cheadle & Marple College Network, added: “We’re so pleased to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to our students, we look forward to them gaining lots of employment experience and where possible, paid jobs as a direct result of this course.”