2023-05-18 15:35:30
Flintshire interns win progress awards as they navigate the world of work
Thomas Wharton, an intern working at a local café in Flintshire, and Dan Kirkham, an intern working at both GXO and a local day service in Flintshire, have both won an award for Most Progress in Hft’s Project SEARCH Celebration Event, held today to highlight the incredible journeys interns and graduates on the programme have been on over the past 12 months.
Thomas and Dan are both supported by national learning disability charity Hft and are enrolled on the DFN Project SEARCH employability programme. Thomas was nominated for developing his communication skills to succeed in helping customers in his role whilst Dan received a nomination for his professional growth whilst challenging managers’ and colleagues’ views of what learning disabled employees and interns are capable of.
Speaking about Thomas’ experience, Abigail Skillen and Jennifer Lamb from Hft say, “Thomas has made exceptional progress this year. He has developed his communication and will initiate conversations not only with Project SEARCH staff, but also with tenants in the host company and within his previous rotation at the library and current rotation at a Café.
“His willingness to help customers, colleagues and staff is fantastic and he is using his communication at all times to provide a high standard of customer service, and to support colleagues. He has a willingness to help and does so with a big heart. He throws himself into every experience given to him.”
Thomas adds, “I have enjoyed my experience on Project SEARCH and I have learnt a lot of new skills that I can use in the future. I had a great experience on all of my rotations. I have really enjoyed using the barista machine and serving customers.”
Dan also shares how much he enjoys working:
“I enjoyed working the in the office because there were nice people and they offered me a drink. I did jobs like photocopying and make packs for drivers. It was interesting. It was a really good opportunity to learn these things. I am now in Hwb Cyfle working on Reception; I like answering the phones. I have had fun.”
Katie Worrall and Karleen Sibanda from Hft say, “Dan has come so far this year.”
They explain, “When Dan started at GXO he had come from retail background where he wasn’t developing his skills or able to utilise his high attention to detail.
“He initially found it difficult being in a new environment with new people but quite quickly made a bond with the health and safety manager at GXO, Dave. He followed Dave and assisted him to look for hazards and do regular checks of the warehouse floor. He then progressed to working out of the main manager’s office where he assisted with lots of admin tasks. He changed the entire atmosphere of the office, changing managers’ views of what interns were capable of and pushed his skills in teamworking and professionalism.
“Now, Dan is working on the reception desk at one of Hft’s day centres, acting as the first face people see as they come in, using all the skills he learned in the office whilst greeting people and answering phones. He will always say good morning and ask people how they are. He is now ready to find a job and is actively looking for administrative roles where he can be around people and use the skills he is now confident with.”
This is the second year that Hft has held the awards ceremony and this year 20 interns and graduates across England and Wales are being recognised for their commitment and hard work.
“Each and every intern is deserving of celebration – their journeys all involve learning a range of new skills, hard work and dedication. We want to acknowledge these achievements, and shine a light on the stories of the interns and graduates we are supporting,” says Bryony Dolby, National Programme Co-ordinator (Project SEARCH) at Hft.
“Hft is incredibly privileged to work with a wide range of supportive and inclusive partner organisations and a cohort of talented, hardworking interns and graduates. Our team of Employability Coaches works with partners to provide tailored support to interns and graduates to give them the opportunity to gain and develop the skills needed for paid work in their chosen career.
“Year after year we are blown away by the commitment shown by those we are supporting, their positive attitude and perseverance towards achieving their goals. This year has been no exception. Thomas and Dan are well-deserved winners of this award, as they have both shown how they have embraced contributing in the workplace, being professional and continuing their personal development.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
