LISTEN: The value of supported internships
Check out the latest Chamber Podcast, which features a discussion on supported internships as part of the Growth Through People campaign by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
The episode features GBCC head of policy Emily Stubbs in conversation with Suzie Branch Haddow, vice principal of External Development at BMet College and Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire; Paul Cook, CEO of Hereward College; and Tracy Bishop, regional manager at Whitbread.
Together, they explore the benefits and practicalities of supported internships, a pivotal part of ensuring more inclusive employment opportunities for young people with disabilities.
Supported internships provide structured, hands-on work experiences that help young people with disabilities gain critical skills and build confidence in a real-world work environment.
Listen to the podcast below, or on all major listening platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Tracy Bishop highlights the value of this model at Whitbread, where their Premier Inn team has been strengthened through internship placements. For her, the program has proven mutually beneficial, enriching the workplace culture while driving accessibility improvements.
Paul Cook of Hereward College emphasises that supported internships are an essential component for inclusive education, enabling businesses to unlock the unique capabilities of young adults with disabilities.
He encourages both large corporations and SMEs to consider these programs, which can begin as work experience placements and evolve into impactful internships that benefit both interns and employers.
The vital role of collaboration between educators and employers in creating accessible opportunities for all is raised by Suzie in the podcast.
She notes that supported internships equip students with the skills they need to transition confidently into the workforce, adding that such partnerships are crucial to addressing skill gaps while fostering an inclusive, skilled talent pipeline for local industries.
Click here to learn more about the Growth Through People campaign.
Pictured from left to right: Paul Cook, Suzie Branch Haddow, Emily Stubbs, and Tracy Bishop
