Exciting Opportunities Await: Bridge College Students Embark on Supported Internships at Sodexo

Three talented students from Bridge College—McKenzie, Jamal, and Bayley—have embarked on a learning journey with Sodexo through Bridge College’s Supported Internship Program. This incredible opportunity allows them to explore diverse roles within a global leader in sustainable food services, with the ultimate goal of securing paid employment after a year.

This term, the students have been immersing themselves in the various areas of Sodexo, discovering exciting placements in health and safety, food preparation, security, and administration. Before diving into their hands-on experiences, they have honed their skills in a classroom environment, learning what it takes to be an outstanding employee and mastering the skills needed for success in different areas.

In collaboration with DFN Project SEARCH, Bridge College and Sodexo are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for these students. DFN Project SEARCH is a transformative one-year transition-to-work program designed for young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

As Zena, Curriculum Lead at Bridge College, shares,

"Sodexo has been incredibly welcoming, and the students have thrived while developing skills across various company sectors."

Hayley from Sodexo adds,

"Working with these students has been a joy. Their progress is inspiring, and they bring a refreshing energy to our team!"

McKenzie, known for his sociable nature and love for customer-facing roles, is eagerly anticipating his role in meeting and greeting guests at the Sodexo leadership conference.

"I really like it so far and am especially looking forward to the security placement. I enjoy the admin roles as well," he shares.

Bayley and Jamal have gained valuable experience in the post room, learning to operate shutters and understanding the vital role of the maintenance team. Jamal expresses his enthusiasm,

"They’ve taught us about electrical safety and the importance of PPE. I really enjoy monitoring the cameras!"

Bayley adds,

"I think it’s going really well, and I’m happy."

Jemma, Bridge Tutor/Supported Internship Lead, is equally excited and proud of how far the interns have already come in their Supported Internship journey,

'It has been a pleasure and an exciting start with all three Interns who have settled in Sodexo very well. They look smart and professional in their Sodexo uniform, they’ve picked up the skills within the Soft Services department and commute to the workplace independently. I have received positive feedback from both Interns and carers, and we are only in the early weeks of our SI programme. This is just the start, and we are all extremely excited for the future”.

We can't wait to see how these internships unfold and the bright futures that await these remarkable students!

If you're interested in finding out more about the Supported Internships at Bridge College please visit https://www.togethertrust.org.uk/schools/supported-internships or email admin@bridgecollege.ac.uk.