Macclesfield Town Hall hosted a graduation ceremony for young people who completed Cheshire East Council’s supported internship scheme, with graduates receiving certificates and gifts before moving toward paid work and greater independence.
The 12-month programme matches 16-25-year-olds with Education, Health and Care Plans to employers, combining workplace placements, on-the-job training and support from dedicated job coaches.
Siemens, Crewe Hall, Everybody Health and Leisure and Hickory’s Smokehouse were among employers involved, with the council and businesses saying the scheme builds confidence for interns while widening employers’ access to talent.
Cheshire East is now recruiting additional job coaches to expand the programme, aiming to create more places for young people with EHCPs and more opportunities for businesses to join.