After just two short months in his internship Jack managed to secure paid employment. From day one, he felt respected, valued, and supported in the workplace. He immediately enjoyed the job and felt like a member of the team and has been in paid employment for three months now.
“During the Supported Internship I gained more confidence which allowed me to enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. Whilst I was there, I learnt a lot of new skills which I will be able to use in the future. I have improved my social skills and confidence and got myself a job as a result which I’m really happy about!”
When I began my Supported Internship with Ixion in September 2023, I had very little confidence. I was experiencing anxiety in everyday life and would struggle to talk to other members of the group when attending my learning sessions. I had been out of education for years and had previously tried other employability courses but did not find them helpful.
I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a job or career. I had previous experience working for Parcel Force and Royal Mail but found those roles overwhelming. Tabitha Seyforth, my Ixion Supported Internship job coach, found me a placement at a small local company who make and distribute fuel and oil treatments. The company champions supporting employees from all walks of life, and my employer himself struggles with autism, which was great.
My role is to complete orders by reading and checking invoices, following procedures, packaging orders securely and labelling for distribution.
I was incredibly anxious before starting my placement and unsure if I would be able to do it. The supported internship team spent a lot of time with me preparing me for my placement. The team helped me to plan my route to and from work, had discussions with the employer before starting the placement and supported me in visiting the premises before I started.
From day one, I felt respected, valued, and supported in the workplace. I immediately enjoyed the job and felt like a member of the team. After being in the placement for just two short months, I was offered paid employment and have been in paid employment for three months now and love my job.
Since being in paid employment, I have bought my first car and am now driving to work and to my supported internship sessions with Ixion. Due to my progress and growth, I am due to finish my internship early as I have completed the course and am in paid employment.
The most noticeable difference in me is my improved confidence in myself. I have made friends in the internship sessions and in work. I now have confidence in my abilities and have become a positive role model to other young people on the course.
Jack’s accomplishments have shown that with some support, guidance, and self-belief, you really can achieve your goals. The Ixion team are so incredibly proud of Jack and cannot wait to see him grow and flourish more in the future.