NTH Solutions has been recognised with an award for the work it is doing to provide internships to young adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism.
The company, a subsidiary of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded ‘outstanding supported internship employer’ at the inaugural Supported Internship Awards last week, hosted by NHS England Choices College.
NTH Solutions works closely with Choices College to support students with additional needs in taking their first steps into their careers. Since the partnership began in early 2017, more than 40 students have completed work experience. Around half of those have since taken employment in roles in catering, portering, procurement and more.
Natalie Wintersgill is associate director of operations at NTH Solutions. She said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to provide this opportunity to the students in this initiative.
“It was an incredible honour to win this award and it was completely unexpected. The students are exceptional and an absolute credit. I can’t wait to see how far they can progress within this organisation, as well as others.
“This is something we’re a huge advocate for and have a passion to extend this scheme as much as we can. The credit for the success of the students lies predominantly with all of the team within the operational areas. Thank you so much for your support and help with this.”
Natalie represented NTH Solutions at the awards ceremony, alongside catering team leaders Nicola Critchley and Cindy Thomas. The ceremony took place on Wednesday 2 October at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
A valuable career pathway
Students enrolled on the Choices College pathway undertake work experience in estates and facilities roles at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Each student undertakes one year learning maths, English and employability skills, supplemented with up to three 12-week placements.
These partnerships offer an alternative route into working in the NHS, equipping interns with the practical experience and knowledge needed for their chosen future career. It creates a valuable career pathway for young people with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism.
Find out more about Choices College