The Hilton Hotel in Liverpool city centre has been working in collaboration with Bank View School, for students with complex learning difficulties and additional needs, providing students with an internship, as part of Liverpool City Council’s ‘Intern to Work’ programme.
This academic year saw the hotel welcome three students to gain work experience and life skills as part of the programme. The scheme was set up with the aim of giving students the necessary skills, expertise and opportunities to gain employment.
This academic year three students have benefited from the opportunity, support and experience that has been provided by the hotel, management and staff. On Thursday 20th June, the students will enjoy a ‘Graduation Lunch’ at the hotel to celebrate their achievements and the end of their ‘work experience’ at the hotel.
The Intern to Work programme provides a member of staff at the school, known as the ‘Job Coach’, who works alongside the hotel staff to ensure the best outcomes for the interns and over the years, the Job Coach has helped students overcome a multitude of hurdles including using public transport, building confidence and nurturing self-esteem.
Gareth Davey, Assistant Head, Bank View School, said: “The students have so much to offer and so much potential and the Hilton is working with Bank View School to support our young people in realising that potential and proving that our students can be a huge success in the world of work. The young people have gained experience in areas of the hotel industry such as housekeeping, food and beverage and maintenance and the plan is to open up even more departments within the hotel in the future.
“Overall the work the Hilton have done with our students has had a huge impact. The interns have grown into confident young adults who are independent, ready for work and who can look forward to bright futures in whatever they choose to do”.
Marcus Magee, General Manager of Hilton Hotel Liverpool city centre said “The work we do with Bank View School and their students is incredibly important to the entire team here at Hilton Hotel. To watch them flourish, learn skills and grow in confidence is hugely rewarding. The team here have embraced the students and been mindful of their needs and anxieties. They have become very much part of our team and we have thoroughly enjoyed having them with us. We hope that the skills they have learnt will prove useful to them as they embark upon their working lives”
You may also enjoy: The Hilton’s Star Ball raises £45,000 for charity.