Supported internships: Rachel's story video transcript

Video transcript for the supported internships: Rachel's story video

Activate Learning helps learners to develop the skills they need for the workplace.

We partner with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Project SEARCH, to support young people with learning difficulties or disabilities progress on to employment.

Rachel now works in A&E after developing professional attributes at Reading college. 

Rachel: I studied at Reading college. I did Project SEARCH for a year, and then I did three rotations in A&E and at the end of it I got a part-time job.

Rachel loves her job. What does she particularly enjoy?

Rachel: the patients, to help them get better. How to make hospital beds, how to talk to patients. Helping my work colleagues if they need it.

Rachel is proud to have learned new skills in the workplace. And with the support of her tutors and colleagues, has improved her health and fitness.

Rachel: I started losing weight two years ago, and then stopped doing if for a few months, and then restarted in September. I lost over five stone. 

Rachel is also a mentor to another learner. 

Rachel: This is my first time mentoring someone. So mentoring James is good experience for me to learn what skills I’ve done and pass it on to him so he can learn from it. 

What does having a job mean to Rachel?

Rachel: Everything! Like helping my Mum out with paying rent, doing shopping and hopefully go travelling in the future. 

What is Rachel’s advice to other Activate Learning learners?

Rachel: Never give up on your dreams, keep trying. Because when I went to college, I tried harder to get what I needed in qualifications and following my dreams.