A student from Solihull College & University Centre has been offered a paid position at a Crowne Plaza hotel after completing a Supported Internship.
Supported Internships are structured study programmes designed to enable young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to achieve sustainable, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need through work-based learning.
Student Devender Koyya took on a placement at Solihull Crowne Plaza after completing his Level 1 Customer Service course at Solihull College & University Centre, which he really enjoyed – particularly the social side of college. His time at college was incredibly successful; completing his course, his Supported Internship and recently winning an award for Student of the Year.
He began his internship in 2022, and now having completed the internship, has just been offered a paid position as a Food and Beverage Assistant. He has impressed Food and Beverage Manager Gary Richardson. Gary comments: “We took Devender on as he’s positive and that is what our department is all about! He is willing to learn and always asking for more, he is excited to be challenged and inspires others. He is always smart and that is the image we want to present. I know Dev will go far!”
Devender’s Job Coach, Camille White, was extremely pleased with Solihull Crowne Plaza as a place for Supported Internships: “It is so hands on, customer focused with lots of practical support and mentoring. The support from the team here is great. Dev has been treated like a member of staff, taken part in wellbeing days and benefited from training opportunities.”
General Manager, John Rothwell, is keen to continue supporting Supported Internships at Solihull Crowne Plaza. He comments: “I’m a massive advocate for training and getting people involved in the industry and we are devoted to nurturing and teaching those who wish to explore this line of work.”
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities at Solihull College and University Centre then visit https://www.solihull.ac.uk/.
