From hospital kitchens to IT support: supported internship opens doors for young man with autism

A young man with autism has described a supported internship that took him from the kitchens of Birmingham Children's Hospital to an IT support desk as "the right decision" that "opened up so many possibilities". Evan Hawthorne Slater, 19, spent a year on the Supported Internship Programme run by Choices College, a Birmingham-based college for young adults with additional needs, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust reports.

Kitchens first, then IT

The year-long course, funded by the Department for Education, helps people aged 16 to 24 with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, including autism, build the skills they need for work through real placements with employers.

Evan, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia and dyspraxia, spent 12 weeks in the catering department at the Children's Hospital, where his work included food preparation, managing stock and sealing food for packing. "I enjoyed the atmosphere and working with such a great team," he said.

He then moved to a 16-week placement in IT technical support at University Hospitals Birmingham, the field he wants to build a career in. "I worked within technical support and my time there was further extended so I could expand on my experience," he said.

Along the way he developed his job application skills and passed a GCSE-equivalent qualification in English.

"It has really helped me"

Evan had studied IT at Solihull College after leaving school at 16, and heard about Choices College at a jobs fair from its area manager, Mahesh Chauhan. "It was too good an opportunity to miss," he said.

"It has really helped me in the world of work - from writing my CV, a job application and developing my interview skills, to being able to have that experience of working in a variety of jobs. Going forward when I apply for roles and have interviews, I can talk about what I've learned and how I've developed."

He has now completed the course and is concentrating on passing his driving test so that he can look further afield for work.

"Pride, hope and confidence"

Mr Chauhan said: "When a placement provider opens their door and offers an opportunity for our interns, I know a wonderful journey will begin where pride, hope and confidence develops in the young person."

Lawrence Kelly, people partnerships and programme manager at the trust, said the programme provided "real opportunities" and helped coach staff on "how an inclusive workplace benefits us all". "We are very proud of what Evan has achieved and for the commitment and passion to develop and grow, it is very inspiring," he said.

More placements wanted

Young people with learning disabilities and autism are far less likely to be in paid work than their peers, and supported internships are one of the most effective ways of closing that gap, because they combine learning with real experience in a real workplace.

The trust says the programme is actively looking for more placements across its hospitals, and for students from local communities. Families and young people interested in supported internships can ask their school, college or local authority about schemes in their area.