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The first graduates from a supported internship programme at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) are celebrating success after securing permanent employment.

Their achievements follow the Trust joining forces with Regency High School in Worcestershire and DFN Project SEARCH in a ground breaking partnership that enables 16 to 24-year-old students with learning disabilities to gain valuable work experience within the hospital setting, empowering them to take their first positive steps into the world of work.

Their success was marked with a graduation ceremony at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, bringing together the graduates, their families, representatives from the supporting partners, and the teams they worked with.

Michaela Goodger began her journey in the catering office, performing various administrative tasks. Eager to explore different roles, she moved on to become a housekeeping assistant under ISS, the Trust’s contracted service provider. Her exceptional performance, including achieving a five-star audit review while working independently, earned her a permanent position within the housekeeping department, within both ISS and the Trust.

Photo caption: Michaela Goodger at Worcestershire Royal Hospital

Josh Hines found his calling in the Pathology department. Starting in Specimen Reception, Josh’s meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic quickly made him an integral part of the team. His journey culminated in a successful interview for a Medical Laboratory Assistant position, where he continues to excel.

Photo caption: Josh Hines at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Pathology Department

Ethan Kenny’s path led him from catering to a clinical role in Endoscopy, where he discovered his passion for the healthcare environment. His hard work and enthusiasm resulted in securing his dream job as a porter in Endoscopy.

Photo caption: Ethan Kenny at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the Endoscopy Unit

Libby Marshall, Apprenticeship & Widening Participation Lead, said: “The remarkable resilience, determination, and personal growth displayed by each graduate shows that, with the right support, everyone has the potential to succeed.

“Their success highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in creating inclusive employment opportunities. The feedback from their work placement managers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant contributions and positive impacts these graduates have made within their respective teams.

Photo caption: Left to right Gemma Willetts, Assistant Headteacher, Regency School, Josh Hines, Ethan Kenny, Michaela Goodger, Mel Barnett, Worcestershire Children’s First, Tania Dorman Headteacher, Regency School and Cllr David Chambers Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education Worcestershire County Council. Graduation day at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“The atmosphere at the graduation ceremony was filled with pride and joy as everyone gathered to celebrate the incredible journey and achievements of the graduates.”

As the graduates embark on their new career paths, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and its partners look forward to welcoming the next cohort of supported interns in October 2024.

Photo caption: Josh Hines and Ali Koeltgen, Chief People Officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust