The work scheme helping SEND students feel brave

Jade was unsure she would have the confidence to work in a cafe but was offered a waitressing job after completing the scheme

Young people with special educational needs have described feeling empowered by work experience placements.

The BBC visited some of those doing supported internships at Christchurch Golf Club, Dorset, in 2022.

Each faced their own struggles and spoke of gaining confidence as they took on real work challenges via the scheme run by South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC).

Now they have been offered jobs and are urging others to get involved.

Jade, Tommy and Adam spent a year working in six-weekly rotations, washing golf buggies, collecting balls, helping maintain the course, as well as spending time in the restaurant and on reception.

They all thrived, with Adam now pursuing further education and Jade and Tommy deciding to accept job offers at the club.

Jade previously told the BBC she wanted to work in a cafe, but was concerned she lacked the confidence to talk to people.

But the 26-year-old has overcome that shyness and is now a waitress in the club's restaurant.

"It's given me a lot more self esteem because I'm making my own money," she said.

"It gets me out the house and I'm helping other people - the new me feels a lot braver."

Tommy is now employed as a pot wash in the golf club kitchen

Tommy, 25, works in the kitchen as a pot wash and said he was "proud" when he was offered the job.

He said the work had helped him "develop as a person".

I kind of thought I'd never have a paid job but always wanted one," he said.

"So it it's a massive achievement to even be here."

SWRAC was originally approached by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in 2016 to run a pilot project offering its students supported internships.

The college used to run workshops in the classroom, with day trips to a workplace for extra experience, but it has evolved over time.

SWRAC now has a base at the golf club in Iford, with a classroom on site and students attending four to five days a week for work.

Lewis, 20, is another student who has been undertaking a one-year supported internship and doing paid shifts on reception - something he never imagined he could do.

"I didn't think I'd ever be able to get a job, because I've struggled most of my life talking to new people and I get very anxious most days," he explained.

Lewis said Paul Barran, who runs the golf centre, recognised he found talking to people difficult and started him out working in the golf bunkers.

Lewis added: "Before I didn't think anyone would employ me because my anxiety and my autism affects me quite a lot, but the team here gave me the opportunity to shine because they accept me as I am and make me feel welcome, comfortable and happy.

"I'm just really happy with how everything is going at the moment and proud of myself, and thankful for everyone here who have supported me, because it means a lot."

Mr Barran said he first became interested in the scheme because of his son, who has severe complex special needs.

Paul Barran was originally interested in getting involved in the supported internship scheme because of his son

"One of the things I always worry about, is what value he can bring to his own life, in terms of adding something to society," he said.

"These young people are keen to work, dedicated at their job, they go through the programme and learn about what the job entails and come from all different backgrounds.

"Every one of them brings consistency, gratitude to be able to get out and work and feels like they're adding value.

He added: "It also brings my staff up to a higher level, through the expectation of being able to help and develop empathy."

Kerry Pedder, centre manager for SWRAC, said the involvement of the club had been "invaluable".

She said: "We only worked with a handful of young people and it grew because the need of SEN young people working in any industry needed to improve."

There are currently 10 young people on the supported internship scheme across three centres run by SWRAC in Dorset.

Ms Pedder added: "It's only going to grow because more and more young people are seeing the opportunities their peers have had and with more employers knowing about it, hopefully it will get bigger and bigger."