We are pleased to have developed a local relationship with Tesco in Enfield offering retail placements for interns. The partnership supports Tesco’s wider aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse workforce culture.
The partnership begin in 2018 when Tesco took on their first intern. Having expressed an interest in a career in retail Arnold was matched to a Tesco Extra store for his work placement and was supported by his Job Coach. His work placement was an opportunity to gain practical work experience and to improve his employment prospects.
Danisha Bhobun at Tesco explained, “Tesco is committed to serving all members of its community and this is something I am personally very passionate about. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing work experience opportunities for local young people, such as students from West Lea School. Arnold did his placement in one of my stores and from day one had a radiating personality. With the support of his Job Coach and our Tesco colleagues Arnold grew into his role. As we had a vacancy at the end of his placement we were able to offer him a permanent role which has helped his confidence and developed new skills.” Arnold added, “When I started my work experience in Tesco Ponders End, I was shy and nervous but everyone was nice and made me feel welcome. I’ve now been working here since 2018 and love working on the clothing department. I have fun helping customers and my colleagues”
Our Supported Internship Programme helps to bridge the gap between the worlds of education and employment. There is a strong business case for having a diverse and inclusive workforce and the school also offers fully funded training and support for local businesses to become more Disability Confident and aware of how they can support colleagues with additional needs. Having a close relationship with an employer like Tesco, means the school is able to give young people real insight into the world of work and the opportunities they deserve and for Tesco it means that they have direct access to a hidden pool of talent and their staff are supported by a team of Job Coaches to understand better how to support a young person with a Disability to be successful in work.
