Bishop Auckland College and Hiyed partnership bridges the gap to employment
A powerful partnership between Bishop Auckland College (BAC) and Hiyed, a specialist supported employment company, is transforming the lives of young people across the region by breaking down barriers to the workplace.
By combining education with intensive, one-to-one job coaching, the collaboration provides a “scaffold of support” for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Through a structured supported internship programme, young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are gaining the confidence and skills needed to transition from education into meaningful, long-term employment.
Last year, Bishop Auckland College achieved a 100 per cent success rate in moving interns to paid work alongside Hiyed.
Casey Pout, 20, from Bishop Auckland, is one of the latest success stories. Casey, who manages autism and dyspraxia, recently completed her internship and secured a role with Pimms & Needles, a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Hurworth.
The organisation hosts 26 ladies’ groups across the North-East, from Gateshead to Bedale, using profits to fund community projects.
Casey works primarily with free ‘Silver’ groups for women aged 65 and over, assisting them with various craft activities and managing hospitality for members’ groups.
“When I first did an internship, my coach Hayley kept telling me that I didn’t need her!” said Casey. “After a couple of months, I got the hang of it and really built my confidence.
“I’ve learned how to be more organised and on time. I love arts and crafting, and Hiyed helped me find a job that perfectly matches my interests.
“I am autistic and certain things I can deal with, but the past couple of years I have got more confident. I still suffer from social anxiety, but this job has helped me move forward.”
Jo Nevison, a Pimms & Needles host, has seen Casey’s impact firsthand.
She said: “Casey has been doing a wonderful job and has become an integral part of our team. The ladies in the groups she supports have really taken to her and they appreciate her patience and her genuine passion for the crafts we do together.”
For 19-year-old Michael Tinkler from Billy Row, the partnership led to a career in a very different environment. After a successful internship at Medequip, Michael transitioned into a permanent role as a solid fuel yard operative at DFC Fuels in Coundon.
Michael, who has autism, now spends his days managing customer service and handling the heavy lifting of smokeless fuels, logs and bottled gas.
He said: “I am so pleased I have done this because I have learned so many people skills and learned how to talk to people.
“My autism means I struggle with eye contact, but dealing with customers all day long has really helped my confidence. I wanted to try something new, and Hiyed helped me find this role at DFC Fuels. It has been very rewarding.”
Velma Golightly, owner of DFC Fuels, praised Michael’s work ethic. She said: “It is not the easiest job in the world – it is dirty and physically demanding – but Michael has taken the bull by the horns. Connection with customers is vital here, and credit to him for embracing these conditions. He has really stepped up to the plate.”
And Dan Liversidge, Michael’s job coach, said: “I have seen Michael develop with such confidence; he knows the job like the back of his hand now.
“We’ve seen over the years how this partnership with Bishop Auckland College helps people grow. With the right network and attitude, there is a real chance of success for everyone.”
Hiyed’s role is to provide the ‘bridge’ between the college environment and the workplace. Their job coaches work on-site with interns, slowly withdrawing support as the individual gains proficiency.
Charlotte Munro, senior job coach for Hiyed, said: “It is a team effort here at Hiyed and together with Bishop Auckland College and other partners we feel we are really making a difference.
“Not everyone needs a job coach forever, but we are there to scaffold that support. The programme breaks down barriers for young people who are ready to leave education but might find a traditional apprenticeship unsuitable.”
The supported internship programme will have a new cohort starting September 26, and is open to young people aged 16-25 with an EHCP.
The programme offers an academic year of employability in college with 3-4 days on a work placement of the intern’s choice with a potential employer.
Laura Carrick, Bishop Auckland College’s Tutor/SENCo who worked with Hiyed, said: “The partnership is pivotal for the success of our learners. The collaborative approach ensures that the learners are supported holistically and the skills needed for the workplace are embedded in classroom delivery.
“Both Michael and Casey are shining examples of the impact of that successful collaboration. Watching them both grow into their respective roles gaining skills and growing with confidence was a pleasure.
“We are beyond proud of the progress that Casey and Michael have made and I know they will be an asset to the companies they work for now.
“When individuals with high needs are given the right support, training, and opportunities, they can develop valuable skills and make meaningful contributions to the workforce. Supported Internship provides the necessary platform for our learners to achieve this.”
