The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, presented certificates of achievement to Bolton’s supported interns at a graduation ceremony in the Albert Halls, Bolton on Monday, 29 June.
The ceremony recognised the milestone achievements of the 19 young people with special educational needs and disabilities, as they completed valuable work experience with local employers that improved their skills needed for permanent employment.
The supported internships are delivered by a host educator and local employer in partnership with Bolton Council. This year, graduates were supported onto the scheme by a local education providers Lifebridge ASEND, Woodbridge College, Bolton College, Bury College, The Manchester College and Preston College alongside employers including Asda, Amazon and Greene King, providing them valuable work experience and skills lasting up to a year.
Interns at Lifebridge ASEND and Bolton College also receive support from DFN Project Search, a national charity initiative that aims to transform employment opportunities for young people with additional needs.
It is the second year the scheme has run in Bolton, and it has been a huge success with most previous and current interns being offered meaningful employment with success already secured for over half of this year’s interns.
Councillor Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said:
“We want to offer everyone in Bolton the opportunity to find a job they love and become more independent.
“Young people with special education needs and disabilities are often overlooked on the jobs market, yet they have valuable skills and abilities that are an asset to business.
“To all the employers and partners involved in delivering this programme, I’d like to say a huge thank you for providing the life enhancing experiences you’ve provided for the interns taking part.
Mo Khalil, a 2024/2025 graduate also joined the celebrations to present the Intern of the Year award.
He said:
“I couldn’t believe I got hired after my internship. The programmes been amazing for me.
“My advice to the interns if you have challenges, don’t give up. Just remember to believe in yourself and know how your friends, family and everyone who cares about you is proud.
“I believe in myself and didn’t give up and look where I am now!
“I’d recommend it to anyone as you’re in the real world and can step up”
Supported internships are available to all young people aged 16 years and over with an Education Health and Care Plan.
Interested learners can also register for updates by completing an application available on Bolton Council’s Local Offer website. Information sessions will also run in the autumn term.
More information is available on the Bolton Council Local Offer website and by emailing Supportedinternships@bolton.gov.uk