St Bartholomew's to welcome east London interns
An internship programme for young people with special educational needs is to launch at Britain’s oldest working hospital.
From September, Project Search East London, which gives people aged 17-24 from our local boroughs the opportunity to gain real-life work experience, will be offering placements at St Bartholomew's Hospital in addition to its current base at Whipps Cross Hospital.
Both sites form part of east London's Barts Health NHS Trust.
The ten-month long project, which is run in partnership between Whitefield Academy Trust and DFN International, sees young people undertake different placements across the hospital including as ward hosts, porters, administrators and catering assistants.
The interns are key members of the hospital team and are supported by job coaches who help them carry out their roles. They take part in employability training and gain a nationally approved qualification.
Now in its ninth year at Whipps Cross, Project Search East London has prepared more than 140 young people for the workplace, with approximately 70% of interns securing permanent employment.
St Bartholomew’s Hospital project lead Vivienne Monk said: “We have been inspired by the progress made at Whipps Cross and hope to emulate this success at a fellow Barts Health hospital. 2023 marks the 900th anniversary of St Bartholomew’s, meaning our interns will join us at a hugely exciting time in our history.”
Project Search co-ordinator Janet Wingate-Whyte said: “Our interns are highly valued members of their teams. We look forward to making an important contribution at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and opening up the world of work.”
For more information, including the application process for young people, http://www.projectsearch.org.uk.