“My internship has opened my eyes to what actually goes on at work and given me more experience and stability.”

This is what Luca, a young Perivale resident, said about his placement on high-speed railway project HS2. It has, he said, provided more than just work experience – it has been a step into a new world where he can gain ‘confidence, skills and opportunity’.

Luca secured the 1-year placement with Balfour Beatty VINCI Systra (BBVS), HS2’s construction partner for Old Oak Common Station, Acton, with the help of employment charity Shaw Trust, commissioned by Ealing Council.

“The internship was my first proper job, so everything was completely new to me,” said Luca. “Adjusting was a bit of a challenge at first, but I really grew into it. Knowing I gained experience made it worth it, and the team was very supportive and made me feel included.”

Supported internships are designed for 16 to 24 year-olds with special educational needs who have an education, health and care plan and want to move into employment. but may need a little extra support to get there. It gives young people the chance to grow in confidence, earn qualifications and apply for paid roles.

A route to employment

An internship is a great way to get hands-on experience, qualifications and a route to paid employment. Luca’s internship, which came to an end in March, included a mix of on-the-job learning and coaching. He completed work placements with 3 different teams at BBVS, and gained qualifications in maths and English.

It also offered him the chance to tour the depot where HS2 trains will eventually be built – a highlight for him as both a learning opportunity and a chance to get up close to the trains.

Lilian, Luca’s job coach at Shaw Trust, said: “Luca was a really dedicated member of the team. He did brilliantly, especially at the beginning when he had to learn lots of technical terms while working with the procurement team.”

Luca has now been offered an 8-week work placement with BBVS, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Vinci and Systra, which was formed to build Old Oak Common Station as part of the HS2 scheme.

Are you an employer?

Could you offer a role in your business to someone like Luca? The council can help you recruit through an internship. For more information, email buzuleacc@ealing.gov.uk

The council can also help you to hire an apprentice, and even pay for the training costs. Email apprenticeships@ealing.gov.uk