Hear from our interns

Placements: Hackney Council (Hackney Works) – Admin Assistant

Ludwik: “I am proud that I was able to secure a paid job through my placement.”

Ludwik’s job coach: “Ludwik settled in the programme well, he got on well with the staff, interns and mentors.  He has worked well in his placement, excelling in the tasks he has been assigned.”

Malieke: “I am most proud of building my confidence and learning new skills, such as data entry. I have improved my social skills. I am also proud that I am very reliable and punctual!”

Malieke’s job coach: “Malieke is an extremely kind and polite young man. He is always happy to help others and be there for others. I am amazed at his dedication and commitment to achieving his goals. He is an inspiration to me personally and I believe he will achieve anything he puts his mind to!”

Placements: Hackney Museum – Admin Assistant | Lardo – Waiter | BSix College – Admin Assistant

Nathan: “My favourite placement was at a restaurant called Lardos. I made 50 pizza boxes while my team was busy dealing with customers! I am proud of completing two placements at the same time without being anxious. Due to my hard work and efforts to complete two different places at once, I have won a Jack Petchey Award.

Natham’s job coach: “Nathan is a very bright young man, and he has a beautiful personality. When he is not here, he is definitely missed. He has a creative mind and a distinct way of telling stories which entertains us all. Nathan is very friendly and welcoming which is so helpful and considerate. He always shows respect and kindness. It is a delight to have him with us!”

Placements: Hackney Council (Customer service) – Advisor Assistant | Finsbury Park Hostel – Caretaker Assistant | GLL Better Gym – Fitness & Admin Assistant

Nick: “The placement I enjoyed the most was working in the Hackney Service centre as a customer service advisor. I enjoyed the team I was working with, interacting and helping different people. I would like to get a job in the customer service team. I am proud of how far I have come since the beginning of this programme. I feel I have improved my skills and will be able to find a job more easily compared to before.”

Nick’s job coach: “Nick started the program very shyly and not talking much. In his first placement working as a Customer Service Advisor, the role required Nick to greet and support the customers with any problems they were having. At first Nick was hesitant to go up and talk to people but as he settled into the role, Nick became confident in talking to people. I am so proud to watch Nick build his communication skills. Nick’s family has also seen an improvement in his communication skills.”

Placements: Hackney Council (Environmental operations) – Cleaning Assistant | Frizzante – Waiter | Hackney Council (Customer service) – Advisor Assistant

RJ: “I enjoyed working in the environmental operations department the most, because colleagues in that team were supportive, patient and took time to teach me the tasks and make me feel welcome. I enjoyed travelling and seeing different parts of Hackney .I am proud of the skills and knowledge I have gained ”

RJ’s jobs coach: “RJ is a hard worker and is determined to get a job. He has pushed himself out of his comfort zone and showed determination to try new placements. If he puts his mind on something, he will achieve great things in life.” 

Placements: Hackney Food Bank – Volunteer | Hackney Council (Facilities) – Administrator | Higgins Construction – Construction Assistant

Sean: “What I enjoyed the most was the fact that I was helping people in need, and I also got to learn a lot about different cultures and their dietary requirements. I enjoyed working with a diverse team and also the basics of being a labourer and contributing to building new homes. 

Sean’s job coach: “Sean is a very knowledgeable and eager young man. Sean has become responsible and takes pride in being reliable. I am proud that he knows what he wants to do and is working hard towards it.”

Placements: ISS – Catering Assistant | ISS – Ward Hostess

Sultan: “I enjoy making other people happy and love to work very hard. I find having a routine structure has helped me a lot through the Internship and helped me understand what my strengths and weaknesses are. I am proud to make a difference everyday and want to strive for the best.”

Sultan’s job coach: “Sultan always completes tasks swiftly and never says no. He has applied for 25 jobs in a week! He’s one of the best interns ever to work with – always keen to work and very organised!”

Placements: ISS – Porter | Homerton Hospital (Main outpatients) – Receptionist Assistant | RNRU – Health Care Assistant

Tommy: “I love being able to make a difference everyday and seeing others happy. I have become very confident and more knowledgeable when working in a busy hospital environment. I got along with all the staff and made sure I was always available to support them at different times.”

Tommy’s job coach: “Tommy can speak to everyone easily and gets along with them really well. He has completed volunteer work experience in a salon outside this Internship to gain hairdressing experience. I’m truly proud he made everyone smile and got along with every staff member.” 

Placements: RNRU – Health Care Assistant | ISS – Ward Hostess | Homerton Hospital (Main outpatients) – Receptionist Assistant

Tyler: “I really enjoyed working in the receptionist admin role in the Outpatients area in Homerton. It was very enjoyable and working with nice work colleagues helped me feel settled. It allowed me to become more confident and want to work in the department. I feel more comfortable finding a job now and feel proud at being able to know I can work in busy environments.”

Tyler’s job coach: “Tyler is job ready and needs a job to feel motivated in either teaching or in an admin-related job role. Tyler has excelled and we are very proud!”

Placements: Sense Charity Shop – Retail Assistant | Hackney Council (Legal) – Admin Assistant | Hub Velo Bike Shop – Bike Assistant

Tyler: “Out of all my placements, I enjoyed washing the bikes at the bike shop. The pressure washer was very cool, and it cleaned the bikes very easily. I feel like I gained valuable skills and an idea of what I’d like to do in the future. I’m proude of how far I have come in terms of gaining skills and my confidence.”

Tyler’s job coach: “Tyrell has a wonderful personality with a lovely sense of humour. He participates in group activities but can also work very well alone. He has little outbursts of energy and excitement that truly bring out positivity to the rest of us.”

Placements: Homerton Hospital (Main outpatients) – Receptionist Assistant | ISS – Ward Hostess | Homerton Hospital (Diabetic eye screening) – Admin Assistant

Vijay: “I particularly enjoyed my placements in Diabetic Eye Screening and Main Outpatients because they both involved similar roles and responsibilities. I was able to learn how to use new software, keyboard shortcuts, and Excel to organise patients’ information on spreadsheets. I am proud of my ability to complete tasks within given timeframes and to acquire new skills during my placements.”

Vijay’s job coach: “Vijay is a fast learner who easily grasps tasks. He enjoys conducting self-research on familiar topics or software and works independently using the information he gathers. He is highly determined, goal-oriented, and open to apprenticeship opportunities.  I am proud of Vijay, and his mentors would love to have him back. If any paid vacancies arise, they are more than willing to consider him for the position.”

Placements: Homerton Hospital (Diabetic eye screening) – Admin Assistant | RNRU – Health Care Assistant | ISS – Ward Hostess

Yagmur: “I am proud of completing all three placements and believe I performed well, receiving praise from my mentors. Despite initial challenges, I settled in and received encouragement to continue being a hardworking individual.”

Yagmur’s job coach: “Yagmur found fullfilment as a ward hostess, building rapport with patients to uplift their spirits, and receiving praise for her efforts. Her confidence has noticeably increased since joining the program last year. Yagmur eagerly anticipates the opportunity to work with the ISS as a ward hostess in the future, showcasing her passion for the job.