A student from Stratford-upon-Avon College has been offered a paid position at a Crowne Plaza hotel after completing a Supported Internship.
Supported Internships are structured study programmes designed to enable young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve sustainable, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need through work-based learning.
Ryan Hendrey completed his placement at the Stratford-upon Avon Crowne Plaza and has now accepted a paid role as a Food and Beverage Assistant.
Ryan started studying on a Foundation Learning course at Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2020 and this Supported Internships was part of his final year on the course.
Ryan chose to work at Stratford-upon-Avon Crowne Plaza as it was local for him and he had some work experience previously in the hospitality and catering industry. He studied at college one day a week and spent three days a week at work as a Food & Beverage Assistant, supported by Job Coach Rosie Parsons.
He detailed what he enjoyed about the internship: “I enjoy the opportunity to see what it’s like in the working world and meeting new people. I also enjoy both working and going to college. I get the freedom to still be at college and then put what I have learnt to work practically.”
Ryan excelled in his role which led to him being offered a permanent paid position. General Manager, Robin Ford, commented: “Out of all our interns, Ryan has shown by far the most passion, enthusiasm and commitment. It’s been great to see how far Ryan and all the interns have come. The journey from starting to now is staggering. Seeing Ryan’s confidence grow has been a privilege to watch.”
After this first year taking on Supported Interns he is looking forward to welcoming more students: “We are already working on the next intake! This is a great working relationship for us to develop as it allows us to break down misconceptions about hospitality for the next generation. Also, we believe everyone should get a chance to work, that we can all overcome any barrier. When we were approached about the Supported Internships, we relished the opportunity and are delighted to be working with the College!”
Job Coach, Rosie Parsons, details how Supported Internships can benefit students: “They are a great opportunity for anyone who needs extra support whilst they undertake work experience. They allow students to be supported and helped throughout their placement and is a way to eventually lead to being a part of the working world.”
