“What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other” – George Eliot

Hi,

I’m Adam Michael age 20 and I am the business host intern at the University of Gloucestershire. I’m completing a six month supported internship at the University and I would like to share my experiences and what the program has provided for me.

 Since leaving college in June 2017, I undertook months of job search and got nowhere. Applications got turned down and I was unsuccessful whenever I got through to the interview stage. Despite declaring my disability beforehand, adjustments sometimes weren’t made to ensure that I felt comfortable and accommodated in the interview. At the same time, my family were looking into progression for my younger brother Joe, age 16 with Cerebral Palsy. We were considering the National Star College as an option. This was when we found out about the Supported Internship Steps into Work opportunity that I was keen to take on at the University. This led to meetings and conversations so that I could get started on the NVQ Business Administration work as soon as possible before starting the placement in February 2018.

 I joined The University of Gloucestershire as I was keen to experience the environment of a reception desk, completing business administration tasks but also incorporating my customer service skills that I had previously learned on my hospitality course. My work has involved administration tasks such as using a calendar system for room and parking bookings, a telephone switchboard, completing event research for the future, data input into the customer record management system, typing up meeting notes, producing posters and signs for the front desk and welcoming customers, as well as attending business development workshops and events. I’ve had the opportunity to complete an NVQ in Business Administration alongside the placement and I’ve had regular meetings with a job coach to help me progress and set regular targets for myself. Also, my colleagues have been able to fill me in for elements that haven’t been covered in the NVQ such as using a calendar system.

 The Growth Hub has been a great experience. I’ve enjoyed the real variety of work and the flexibility it has to offer and the fact that although the work is office based, you are still interacting constantly with clients, colleagues, and customers. I have been made to feel like a solid member of the team, fitting in with activities outside of The Growth Hub too and consequently, I have made loads of new friends. I encourage other staff members to participate in the program as it provides a huge stepping stone for young people with disabilities, gaining valuable experience and receiving the support they need to get into employment. My successes mean that I will be moving onto a level 3 business administration and IT apprenticeship with the Gloucestershire County Council IT department and I am hoping to progress onto a full time career with them at the end of the course.

Adam Michael

Business Host Intern

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