Goole rail village has welcomed new SEND interns at part of a new college link-up to help supercharge their prospects of employment. The initiative will see young adults with special educational needs completing work experience alongside their studies at Selby College.
Siemens Mobility, which runs the facility, says the six successful candidates on this year's programme will work with a job coach and tutor and have access to specialised training and hands-on practical experience. They will rotate through placements at its Components Facility which services rail gearboxes and motors, the warehouse, office and administration, and security and facilities maintenance.
The programme is designed to give the interns, all aged 18 to 24 and with learning disabilities, the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Siemens Mobility says only 4.8% of individuals with learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions in England are in permanent paid employment compared to 80% of their peers.
CEO of Siemens Mobility, Sambit Banerjee, said: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of the internship scheme, which builds upon our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity at Siemens Mobility. Our goal is to equip participants with essential skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce.
"We understand the challenges these individuals face in accessing employment opportunities, which is why we are committed to providing equal opportunities and support, enabling everyone to feel like they belong at Siemens Mobility. We are excited to welcome the six successful candidates to the Siemens Mobility Goole Rail Village and look forward to witnessing the positive impact this program will have on their lives."
Selby College, is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and DFN Project SEARCH - which aims to support 10,000 young adults with a learning disability, or autism spectrum condition, or both, in the UK into paid employment by 2030.
Kirsty Matthews, chief executive of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “Each new group of talented individuals brings with them a unique set of skills and perspectives, which not only enriches their own lives but also the workplaces they join. At DFN Project SEARCH, opportunity and inclusion is at the heart of all our work. I am confident that these interns will leave a lasting positive impact on their organisations and community while gaining the essential skills to build brighter futures for themselves.”
Sam Wright, principal and chief executive at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We wish the interns the best of luck as they embark on what will be incredible journey. Project SEARCH has the power to transform the lives of those with learning difficulties, enabling them to gain real-life work experience and employability and independent skills.
"Many of the interns have progressed through our Foundation Learning provision, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them taking their first steps into the working world.”
