Two former Bury College Supported Internship students, Isla and Abigail, have secured jobs after completing the programme, using the skills, confidence and workplace experience they gained to take the next steps towards their chosen careers.
The Supported Internship helps students prepare for employment through practical work experience, employability training and guidance from dedicated job coaches.
Building confidence and discovering opportunities
Abigail joined Bury College for a year to develop her employability skills. Although she already worked in a cocktail bar, she had never attended a job interview and wanted to build her confidence and learn new skills.
During the programme, she learned how to write a CV and cover letter and prepare for interviews. Her placement in reception at the College's Woodbury Centre gave her the opportunity to learn new transferable workplace skills and learn from other colleagues.
Abigail explained that the course had taught her things she had never encountered before. She also praised the job coaches for making sure students received the support they needed, saying: “When doing the Supported Internship, they made sure that we were never left behind.”
Isla's journey began with studying childcare, but she found the course to be too overwhelming at that time. After moving to the Prospects Building at Bury College, she took part in a confidence-building class before staff encouraged her to consider a role helping others, which led her to the Supported Internship.
During her placement, Isla supported students in Life Wise to develop independent living skills during community activities, including shopping and crossing roads safely. She also gained experience at New Horizons, helping students with everyday tasks and building their life skills. These experiences helped Isla develop practical skills for a support role, while the programme prepared her for the challenges and emotions involved in finding employment.
Turning experience into employment
Following her placement, Isla secured a permanent position at Bury College as an Education Support Worker. She now helps students prepare for the day, supporting them with breakfast, medication and settling into their routines before lessons. Enjoying the opportunity to make a difference, Isla said: “I'm really enjoying my role here at the college. Each day we get students ready for the day, make their breakfast, help with their medication, help them settle in for the day and prepare them for their lessons.”
Abigail also used her placement to discover which career suited her best. Although she was encouraged to stay in reception, she decided to pursue catering and secured an apprenticeship in a school kitchen. She is developing her skills by preparing meals from scratch and learning how to provide children with healthy, balanced food. Abigail also practises cooking at home and is keen to expand her knowledge of food hygiene, safeguarding, and how to respond to allergic reactions.
She particularly enjoys seeing children happy with the food she prepares and hopes to become a catering manager at the school in the future.
Reflecting on her progress, Abigail said: “Before, I had no confidence in getting a job and now look at me.”
Preparing for the future
Both Isla and Abigail highlighted how the Supported Internship helped them build confidence and prepare for employment, with guidance from job coaches and support tailored to their needs.
Isla explained that reasonable adjustments can help students manage job applications, interviews, and workplace responsibilities in ways that suit them, while still encouraging them to do their best. Her advice to other students is not to feel pressured into knowing exactly what they want to do. She said: “It's okay to be stuck and not know what exactly it is you want to do.” With time to explore opportunities and support from the College's job coaches, students can discover what they enjoy and find a career that suits them.
Abigail also encourages others to consider the programme, highlighting the independence, confidence and transferable skills it can provide. She said: “If you want more independence and want to get skills for different jobs, this course will give you that.”
Their journeys demonstrate how the Supported Internship helps students turn their interests into practical experience and take meaningful steps towards employment.
