First day of the internship
On my first day of the internship, I felt a bit nervous because it was a new experience and my second internship after completing my first year at college. At the same time, I was looking forward to it because I wanted to do something valuable instead of staying at home and giving up on my future goals.
Meeting the team
From Day 1, I had the chance to meet everyone, including the other interns, my tutor, and the job coaches. I also discovered that I share the same ethnic background as my tutor, which made me feel comfortable and included. Another intern shares this background as well, and it was amusing to notice that they sometimes communicate in their native language, which I could partially understand.
Induction weeks
During my initial induction weeks, I shared a laptop with another intern, which helped me stay productive and patient. We learned about bullying, harassment, professional conduct, and more, which is important to know in order to stay safe in the workplace. We also signed the learner agreement, read the policy rules to show our commitment to Mencap, and were given the option to consent to photos being used online or in newsletters.
Classroom rules
Our tutor set classroom rules, for example, interns were not allowed to call her or the job coaches “Miss” because we are no longer in a school setting. This rule was introduced to prepare us for the workplace, and the sanction for not following it was being put on laptop duty. Good hygiene was also expected, such as covering our mouth when yawning, sneezing, or coughing.
Challenges and improvements
My experience with these rules was quite tricky at the start because I had a habit of calling my tutor or job coach by their title rather than by name. However, after understanding the reason behind the rule, I realised it was meant to prepare me for the workplace, and as a result, I have improved.
The other interns found it challenging. Nevertheless, they are learning every day and that progress will build their confidence and help them follow the rules to set a good example in the workplace.
About this series
This article is part of the Supported Intern Voices project written by supported interns in Haringey. The series aims to support young people who may be interested in joining the Supported Internship Programme.
