DFN Project Search is an exciting, nationally-recognised initiative aimed at providing meaningful workplace opportunities to young adults, serving as a one-year transition to work for young adults with a learning disability and/or autism. The project hopes to empower these young minds and encourage them to explore their potential in the professional world.
One such student is Megi, who began studying at Warrington & Vale Royal College in 2018, completing a Personal & Development Award and the Pre-Supported Internship course, which saw her complete a placement at Novel Bite Café, based at Winsford campus’ library. Here, Megi learned a range of valuable life skills such as cooking, cleaning, communication and handling money; all of which helped to develop her confidence. The purpose of the programme is to enhance students’ employability skills including teamwork, customer service and independent working.
Currently, Megi is thriving on the college’s Supported Internship programme in partnership with DFN Project Search. Megi initiated her full-time placement at Warrington & Halton Hospital NHS Trust in the domestic department as a cleaner on the maternity ward. Her tutors and job coaches received positive feedback from her very first day. Megi has excelled in the workplace, attending every day, being punctual and demonstrating a strong work ethic. The staff on the wards where Megi has been working continuously praise her exceptional effort, friendliness, knowledge of safety and infection control, and great patient care while cleaning the patient areas.
A notable highlight of Megi’s work placement was her acknowledgement in a patient feedback form from a new mother. The mother reported that Megi made her stay and experience enjoyable due to her friendliness, kindness, helpfulness and happy nature. Being commended on a patient feedback form is incredibly rare, according to other hospital staff, so this special recognition meant even more for Megi and signifies the lasting impression she has made.
More recently, a job post became available at Warrington & Halton Hospital, and Megi felt it was a good fit for her. She expressed her interest to her tutors and job coach, stating, “I love being helpful and keeping the hospital clean, so it is safe for everyone.” Her tutors on the Supported Internship programme supported her during the application process, where she demonstrated a thorough understanding of the hospital's policies and procedures. Shortly after submitting her application and undergoing an interview, Megi was thrilled to hear that she had been successful.
Upon receiving the news from hospital management, Megi cried and said: “I never thought I would be capable of this.” Megi now holds a full-time domestic services role on an allocated ward, with prospects of working towards a cleaning qualification and the potential to move to higher-grade positions in the future should she wish to do so.
Leoni McHugh, Supported Internship Co-ordinator, says: “I think it’s not only a testament to Megi and the work she has put in but also to the staff at Warrington & Halton Hospital NHS Trust, her family and her tutors at Warrington & Vale Royal College who have helped her gain the skills she now possesses to enable her success!”
Megi has represented the college brilliantly during her time on the work placement, and we want to wish her the best of luck for all other future endeavours.
Learn more about our Skills for Independence, Life & Work courses here
