Two students at Hereward College in Coventry have secured full time jobs with West Midlands Police as a direct result of a Supported Internship with the force.
Six months after taking part in a pilot with the college, the supported interns at West Midlands Police made such a good impression they have now been offered full-time permanent roles.
Joe, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, joined the Criminal Records team as a supported intern in September 2019 and starts his role as Criminal Records Officer this month.
Joe said: “I was very nervous about starting on my internship. It was a big change for me. I was unsure what to expect from the colleagues I would be working with. However, these fears have been unfounded. I was made to feel welcome, and a member of the team from day one. They looked at my skills rather than my disability. I feel truly valued by the organisation.”
Sahej has autism spectrum disorder and has been offered the role of Business Support Assistant after working on placement within the partnerships team.
Sahej said: “WMP has been great for me. All my colleagues have been incredibly supportive. I have felt included from my first day. They know about my disability and support me with my difficulties. They view me as an individual and don’t define me by my diagnosis.”
Paul Cook, Principal & Chief Executive at Hereward College said: “Working with the team at West Midlands Police over the last few months has been truly inspiring. They are an employer which demonstrates exceptional inclusive practice and in doing so, have been able to bring the skills and expertise of our students to the fore.
“We are incredibly proud of our students getting such positive outcomes from their supported internships at West Midlands Police and we look forward to working together again this year. It is great to work with a company who feels as passionate about encouraging young people into employment as we are.”
Anthony Burnett, Assistant Director Diversity and Inclusion at West Midlands Police said: “It’s really important that we represent the communities we serve. Our partnership with the college helps us achieve that as well as tapping into students with amazing talent.
“Joe and Sahej are great assets to the WMP team. I know they were little nervous to start with, but they’ve really thrown themselves into their new roles and are already making a difference. They’ve got great skills, great personalities and a real desire to serve. I look forward to seeing how their careers bloom in the force.”
