A project to give disabled students training and career opportunities at Stepping Hill Hospital has led to a full time job for one of its young interns.

Mark Muskett, 18, from Bredbury in Stockport is undertaking a 12 month internship at the hospital, working in locations including the patient records department and training centre. His second placement was as a retail assistant in the maternity café and shop, run by catering company Host and has proven so successful he has been offered paid employment. 

Mark, who has learning disabilities, has now been given a permanent paid role by Host, working five days a week in the early evenings. 

The internship project is a joint scheme between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital, the Cheadle and Marple College Network, and Pure Innovations, a charity which helps disabled people live more independent lives.

Ten interns have been working at the hospital since September 2016, in areas including administration and reception work.  As well as teaching the students useful work and life skills, the aim is to find them paid positions where possible. Another intern has also recently gained a full time position at Stepping Hill as a domestic worker at the restaurant.  

Mark said, “I really enjoy the job, I’ve learned lots of new skills and made some new friends too. I’d like to thank Host, the hospital, the college and Pure Innovations for giving me this chance.”

Caroline Morgan, senior employment officer for Pure Innovations, said “We are delighted that two of the interns have been offered paid employment.  This shows that the Supported Internship partnership delivers really positive job outcomes for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities,  enabling them to try out different types of work, giving them confidence, and developing their skills and potential in the employment market.”