New supported internship programme goes live at the PRUH

: Created: 13 September 2021

The seven lucky students first to don their smart new uniforms at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) this term are Amber, Oliver, Will, Dale, Jake, Chloe and Sally. They attended the official launch and induction event at the hospital on Monday 6 September.

The programme was first initiated after discussions between the College's Career Pathway Director for SEND and ESOL Rhona Sapsford, PRUH Deputy Director of Nursing, Lizzie Wallman and SEND Reforms Project Manager for the London Borough of Bromley, Liz Lake about the lack of training and employment opportunities for young people with autism - particularly within our local services. After a number of meetings, and an excellent partnership approach between the three bodies, a new programme was devised, costed and a comprehensive syllabus and training package put in place ready for the start of the new term.

Last week, the students were on-site, ready and raring to go, and keen to impress. Successful completion of the internship could lead to future employment opportunities at the PRUH or in other health-related professions and organisations locally.

Scrubbing up ready for his first day at work, Oliver Hyde, 18, from Bromley said: "The induction went really well and I'm going to experience what it is like to work in a real workplace - I'm enjoying it already and I want to learn so much."

Fellow student, Sally Yule, 24, and also from Bromley added: "I'm quite nervous but excited too. I really enjoyed learning lots of different interesting facts about the hospital, its history and how it functions. We were asked to go and find out all we could about the hospital and do our research - it was great fun. Being at the hospital and seeing all the different departments, wards and theatres was a real eye opener too."

Teacher and Intern Coach at the College, Amanda Weekes is optimistic and enthusiastic about the internship enterprise. She said: "I am delighted to be part of such an innovative and exciting project. Working collaboratively with Rhona, Lizzie and Liz meant that we achieved lift-off in time for September. There are currently seven students on the internship who amply meet the programme criteria and deserve this opportunity to demonstrate and hone their skills."

Jonathan Lofthouse, Site Chief Executive at the PRUH and South Sites, said: "I'm really pleased to welcome the seven fantastic students to the Princess Royal University Hospital.

"We're proud to have launched this initiative together with London South East Colleges and Bromley Council, and I have no doubt that the interns will become valuable members of the team."

The student interns will focus their talents on a number of different career routes including reception, receipt and distribution, portering, cleaning, catering, housekeeping and there's even one role helping out in the paediatric department.

The programme will last for a year with each student supported by a member of the hospital staff and a College job coach. It will help them each develop skills required by a workplace and equip them with lots of employability skills.

If you are interested in finding out more about London South East Colleges' Supported Internship programmes or our Nido Volans Centres at Bromley and Erith, please contact Rhona Sapsford on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..