A Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) student has been nominated as a finalist in the Supported Employee of the Year category in the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2023.
Charlie, a BTC student who joined Wilson James through the Supported Traineeship Programme, works for the Construction Logistics team on Hinkley Point C. The programme supports individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or an Education, Health and Care plan (ECHP).
Alongside extensive teaching provisions and support at BTC and Discovery, the work placement provides crucial employment experience and training, and both work in unison to prepare individuals for long-term employment in a workplace.
Wilson James operates in several sectors, including security, aviation and construction logistics. They are proud supporters of the Supported Traineeship Programme, with strong links to Hinkley Point C.
The 10-week programme involved a combination of work readiness training alongside extensive time spent on-site learning on the job. After just 5-weeks of traineeship, Wilson James offered Charlie full-time employment – impressed by both his hard work and dedication to success in the new role.
Lorna Whitford, Head of Foundation Learning, said,
It is absolutely fantastic that Charlie was nominated and became a finalist for this amazing award. Charlie is such a great example of how the partnerships with employers, supported employment agencies and education can jump start a career for a young person with SEND.
The HPC Supported Traineeship Programme won the Supported Employer of the Year Award at the SEBP Awards and the HPC staff and contractor companies, such as Wilson James, working with BTC and Discovery on this programme fully deserve this recognition. A truly inspiring moment for Charlie and the HPC Supported Traineeship Programme.
For more information about our Foundation Learning course offerings and facilities, please visit www.btc.ac.uk, call Information & Guidance on 01278 441234, or come to one of our events.
