Two students from Gower College Swansea recently travelled to Westminster to commemorate National Supported Internship Day.
Jamie Leigh Webber and Harri Jones, who both follow Gower College Swansea's Pathway 4 Programme, were formidable ambassadors during the prestigious event, where they spoke openly and confidently about their experiences of working at Amazon.
This supported internship programme, now in its third consecutive year, continues to produce high employment outcomes and job security for many young people at the end of their College courses.
“By attending this fantastic event, Jamie and Harri proudly represented every young person with additional learning needs who lives in Wales - by sharing their experiences, thoughts and vision for future programmes and cohorts,” says tutor and programme lead at Amazon, Angela Smith.
“Jamie stood up and held the microphone, introduced herself and told her story. She spoke about how gaining employment was an important step on the road to gaining greater independence at work and in life and how having a paid job meant she could learn to drive to work and not rely on public transport.
“We are all so proud of Jamie and Harri for being such great ambassadors for the College and for Amazon, and for championing everyone’s right to work and thrive."
During the event at Portcullis House, there were several high-profile speakers including Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Angela Rayner MP, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jodie Gosling MP, and Dame Diana Johnson MP.
Discussions ranged from the Government’s commitment to fair work and disability employment, to breaking down barriers in professional environments.
National Supported Internship Day took place on 27 March and the theme for this year was ‘everything orange’.
All eight College interns working at Amazon continue to raise awareness by handing out oranges to fellow Associates during break times; to connect and join hands for equity in the workplace for all.