Two former students at Rotherham Opportunities College are embarking on the first chapter of their chosen careers after securing new roles at the Magna Science Adventure Centre. Millie and Asia are the first beneficiaries of a new partnership between the two organisations, which aims to help young adults with disabilities secure paid employment after successfully completing their studies.
During their time at Rotherham Opportunities College, both Millie and Asia, who have special educational needs, developed their communication and teamwork skills and gained valuable experience through the college’s supported internship programme. They also completed independent travel training courses, equipping them with the skills needed to make unassisted journeys using public transport.
In their new roles, Millie has joined Magna’s front-of-house team, where she welcomes visitors and processes online ticket sales, while Asia works in Magna’s busy gift shop and can often be found behind the till. The partnership between Rotherham Opportunities College and Magna will help more students gain valuable work experience through a specially developed supported internship programme as they prepare for life after college. It is hoped that more students will follow the path Millie and Asia have carved by securing paid work at the popular attraction.
Richard Hammill, Chief Executive of Magna Science Adventure Centre, said: “Since joining us, both Asia and Millie have made an instant, positive impact and have quickly established themselves as valued members of staff. Through our partnership, I hope that more students will have the chance to gain work experience at Magna, and I’m sure others will follow the shining example set by Asia and Millie by going on to secure paid work with us.”
Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal of Rotherham Opportunities College, said: “Over the past few years, we have forged some excellent working relationships with businesses throughout Rotherham. Our mission is to ensure that students at Rotherham Opportunities College are able to enjoy many of the things that we all take for granted – and that includes earning a regular salary.
“Millie and Asia were both wonderful students during their time at college, and it’s great to see their efforts rewarded with paid employment. Our partnership with Magna is an exciting milestone for the college, and it will help more students to gain valuable work experience. Supporting students by providing work experience or a supported internship can also be a very positive experience for employers, who regularly tell us that the experience boosts morale, strengthens teams and enables staff to enjoy a real sense of achievement by helping someone to succeed.”
Rotherham Opportunities College is actively seeking to build further partnerships with businesses across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. Any business interested in providing work experience or a supported internship should call 01709 242585 or email info@theroc.co.uk.