Siemens Mobility has partnered with Selby College (which is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and national charity DFN Project SEARCH) to launch a new supported internship scheme at its Goole Rail Village. The scheme is designed for young people with a learning disability and/or autism spectrum conditions. Applications for the September 2024 academic year intake are now open, with Siemens Mobility encouraging potential candidates to attend an information evening on Tuesday 16 April in Goole.
The internship programme is geared towards young people aged 18-24 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping individuals with learning disabilities with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce. Working with a tutor and a job coach, individuals participating in this internship scheme will have the opportunity to receive specialised training and gain hands-on practical work experience across the entire Siemens Mobility Goole Rail Village.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility, said: “Our goal is to enable everyone to feel like they belong at Siemens Mobility and continue to provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals. Currently, across the industry, there are significant barriers to entry for young people with learning disabilities.
“By fostering a culture of inclusivity and partnering with a programme like DFN Project SEARCH, we’re actively working to change the existing norms and demonstrating how young people with learning disabilities can enrich the workforce and bring incredible skills.”
Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We’ve worked with DFN Project SEARCH for many years and have witnessed the life-changing opportunities the programme has given our learners. That is why we’re delighted to be launching DFN Project SEARCH at Selby College alongside Siemens Mobility, one of the largest and most influential employers in the area. This will ensure that those with learning difficulties in our communities have a path of progression where they are able to raise their aspirations and feel confident in transitioning into full-time, paid employment.”
Claire Cookson, Chief Executive at DFN Project SEARCH, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this new partnership. We know from our partners that hosting supported interns transforms businesses and workplaces for the better, while the interns themselves bring a wealth of talent and commitment to their roles. This will be a life-changing opportunity for the first cohort of interns, who will be taking their first steps on the DFN Project SEARCH journey at the Siemens Mobility Goole facility.”
Siemens Mobility said that it had consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent in Britain. The company is investing up to £200 million in a rail village in Goole, creating up to 700 skilled jobs, as well as a further 1,700 supply chain roles. This includes 11 apprentices, with 25 more being recruited for September 2024.
For more information about applying for the internship scheme please see here.
An in-person information evening will take place on Tuesday 16 April at the Goole Rail Village.
Potential applicants can register at https://www.selby.ac.uk/events/project-search-interest-event-with-siemens-mobility
