Treloar College welcomed back former students to share their experience of the Supported Internship Programme.
Emily, Luke and Harriet, who all completed Treloar's Supported Internship last year, returned to Treloar’s to talk to our current College students who are in their transitional year preparing for their next step. They each gave a brief update on what they’ve been doing since leaving Treloar’s, before taking questions from the audience.
Luke described what he did in his Supported Internship year. Pursuing his interests in fitness and personal training, Luke worked in Farnham leisure centre and helped out with PE lessons at Perrins School. He described how he was ‘able to grow as a person and develop his skills’. Luke is hoping to move into his own apartment after Christmas, close to his home in Putney. He goes to the gym 4-5 times a week and hopes to find work in a gym once he’s settled into his new apartment. He thanked everyone at Treloar’s for helping him to develop as an independent person.
Emily worked at Pets at Home in Farnham and Alton, replenishing stock and caring for the small animals. She also worked in Anstey Junior School as a classroom assistant. She has moved into one of the independent living flats at Campbell Court. In spite of being very close to Treloar’s campus, it’s been a big transition for Emily to move into her own flat and get used to living on her own and managing her time. She has joined a choir and goes to the gym. All the interns mentioned the challenges of moving on from Treloar’s, keeping busy and looking after themselves.
Harriet said, 'leaving Treloar’s was the hardest thing she ever did', but she’s now settled in Bognor Regis. During her internship year, Harriet taught Art classes at Andrew Endowed Primary School and Hollywater School in Bordon. She is hoping to find a volunteering position in a local school now that she has moved into her new living accommodation in a new area.
Treloar College students asked questions about how to prepare for leaving College, how to look after your well-being, and how to organise your care. Luke’s best advice was to pace yourself, reach out to your family and friends, plan each step at a time and not to rush yourself or put additional pressure on yourself. He also recommended having your own interests, hobbies and distractions to keep busy, which is good advice for anyone.
Treloar’s Transition Team works collaboratively with our students, families and Local Authorities/Integrated Care Boards to support the students with their next step based on each individual’s Aims of Placement. All our current students and staff were glad to welcome back the interns and enjoyed hearing how Luke, Harriet and Emily are getting on.
Become a Supported Internship Employer
Treloar’s is always keen to speak with any employers who may be considering supporting our students in any way that they may be able to, our Supported Internship Programme is very flexible to suit both employer and student.
Charlotte Mills (Progress and Transition Internship Coordinator) and Mary Menzies (Work Experience Coordinator) are available to discuss any opportunities and Treloar’s will fully support the employers throughout the process.
If you would like to find out more information about the Supported Internships Programme and how to get involved, please contact Maria Sherwood, Progress and Transition Manager, on maria.sherwood@treloar.org.uk or Charlotte Mills, PTC/ Internship Coordinator, on charlotte.mills@treloar.org.uk