Supported intern secures full-time job at Dee Set

Michael joined Dee Set on placement in September 2019 and soon settled into the team and working environment. Talking about his internship at Dee Set, Michael said; “It was great starting work for the very first time. I didn’t know anyone, so I was very nervous. My main job was to sort out clip strips and I really enjoyed using a pump truck to move stock around the warehouse. This was the best part about my internship. My biggest worry was about not hitting targets but I got lots of help from the team to ease my worries. My course at NSCG has really helped me to get a full-time job, and to help me to see where my future was going.”

Sharon Wilkes-Saltwell, People Team and Recruitment Business Partner for Dee Set has seen Michael really grow with his attitude to work and developing his skills. Sharon said, “Michael joined us on placement and worked in our rework department preparing items for our customers. When he started with us, Michael was quiet, shy and unsure of the working environment.

“During the second half of the program, Michael was hitting targets for his tasks, and his work coach Kelly started to reduce and vary the hours she was on site. Alongside varying the tasks he did on the department, Michael took this all in his stride and he embraced new tasks on his own.

“Michael has become an integral part of the warehouse team in the Rework department and with his love for the business alongside his dedication to delivering results, we are pleased to have been able to offer Michael a full-time position at Dee Set.”

Commenting on Michael’s success, Rob Sigley, Curriculum Leader for Life Skills and Employment Training and Supported Internships said, “Michael joined Newcastle College from Blackfriars Academy on one of our Life Skills courses in 2016, which aims to equip learners with the skills and attributes needed for work. Michael has always had a positive mind-set and a good work ethic, and we are so thrilled that he has been offered a job with Dee Set.

“NSCG started it’s internship programme in 2018, initially with three companies on board, Sainsbury’s, McDonalds and Cineworld. We approached Dee Set at an internship careers fair with the aim of extending our portfolio of employers which is where the relationship began and has proven to be a successful partnership.”

“The success of this programme is not just about supporting students in making positive progression towards paid employment – the significant positive impact on the wider family unit cannot be underestimated. Throughout the course of their journey, our students have grown in self-confidence and independence whilst dramatically enhancing their employability skills and ability to become self-sufficient adults.

“From an employer perspective, they have access to a pool of students who are “work ready” and possess a strong work ethic. At the community level, our Internship students provide a positive contribution to society and the economy whilst enriching the workforce.”