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Hear from our interns

The most recent group of Supported Interns at Hackney Council have accomplished a great deal. Discover some of their stories and see how a Supported Internship could assist you on your path to employment.

Our 2023-24 cohort:

Abdullah DouDou (19)

Placements: Hackney Council (Legal) – Admin Assistant | St Joseph’s Hospice – Cafe Assistant

Abdullah: “My placements have given me a clear idea on what job I would like to do after my internship. I really enjoy baking and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do so during my placements.”

Abdullah’s job coach: “Abdullah has shown his amazing catering skills and has baked some lovely cakes. He is in his element when working in the kitchen and it has given him a clearer idea of what job he wants to do next. Abdullah wants to be a baker!”

Aesha Dini (19)

Placements: Homerton Hospital (Healthcare records) – Admin Assistant | Homerton Hospital (Diabetic eye screening) – Admin Assistant | ISS – Barista

Aesha: “I am proud to successfully finish all my placements, with a special sense of accomplishment from my work in the Diabetic Eye Screening department and the cafe’s customer service role. 

“These experiences have been particularly meaningful to me, as I am typically reserved and uncomfortable with interacting with unfamiliar individuals. Through this program, I have been able to overcome my shyness, become more outgoing, and I have developed a greater sense of focus and attention to detail.”

Aesha’s job coach: “Aesha possesses exceptional intelligence and approaches situations with a high level of professionalism and expertise.”

Alizey Hoffstead (23)

Placements: BSix – Admin Assistant | Hackney Council (Customer service) – Advisor Assistant | Frizzante Cafe – Waiter

Alizey: “I am proud of being able to learn new things and grow, as well as making new connections and improving my communication skills. I have gained valuable experience and I am proud I have been able to secure a part-time job through one of my placements.

Alizey’s job coach: “Ali is an extremely talented young woman who is very capable and can achieve anything she puts her mind to. She has a lovely personality and is always willing to help others. She is friendly and accommodating to people who may be less advantaged. I am sure she will get far in life!”

Emmanuel Bonsu (21)

Placements: Hackney Council (Environmental operations) – Administrator | Hackney Food Bank – Volunteer

Emmanuel: “I have developed many new skills such as using Excel and other software. I improved skills such as my communication skills and asking for help. This programme has helped me to feel more confident applying for jobs and I hope to get a job soon!”

Emmanuel’s job coach: “I am immensely proud of how Emmanuel’s confidence has grown. He has been extremely confident and friendly with his colleagues and mentors.. He truly is a hard-worker and has the will to do better and finish what he needs to do. That dedication makes me proud.”

Fatima Nur (19)

Placements: Hackney Council (Education) – Admin Assistant | ISS – Barista | Homerton Hospital (Main outpatients) – Receptionist Assistant

Fatima: “I enjoyed working with the department and the private fracture clinic, it’s calmer and behind a safe area. I prefer quiet environments, but as a barista it was different and fun due to my mentor being very friendly and allowing me to be myself. I am proud I have done a lot of good work at the hospital and surprised myself with the admin roles. I am proud I know I can make people laugh and smile, my character flourished as I felt more settled in the jobs once I found my feet.

Fatima’s job coach: “Fatima loved her placement at the fracture clinic and got along with everyone within the internship. Fatima showed a good work ethic and had a positive attitude towards work. Fatima is very social and I’m happy just to speak to colleagues daily.”

Ludwik Wach (19)

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 Long (22)

Placements: Frizzante – Waiter | Hackney Museum – Admin Assistant | Sense Charity Shop – Retail Assistant

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!”

Nathan Obiang-Nnang (19)

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!”

Nick Ayenga (20)

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.”

RJ Palmer (18)

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.” 

Sean Aspinall (19)

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.”

Sultan Blessing (19)

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!

Tommy Usher (22)

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.” 

Tyler James (22)

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!”

Tyrell Horsford (18)

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.”

Vijay Singh (20)

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.”

Yagmur Tunc (19)

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.

For more information or to get in touch with our Supported Internships team:

T: 020 8356 5700 | E: intern@hackney.gov.uk

Page last reviewed: July 17, 2024

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