CANDI Supported Internship students visit The Houses of Parliament

Students from City and Islington College visit Portcullis House and meet Members of Parliament as part of National Supported Internship Day.

A group of students from City and Islington College (CANDI) visited The Houses of Parliament as part of National Supported Internships Day on 25 March. Supported Internships provide SEND students with a structured work-centred programme combining a substantial work placement and college study.

The 6 students who took part in the visit to The Houses of Parliament are currently completing supported internships at London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital. The world-renowned hospital is one of the largest centres of ophthalmic teaching and research in the world and has been operating for over 200 years.

After arriving at The Houses of Parliament, the students were welcomed by Claire Cookson, Chief Executive of DFN Project SEARCH, the organisation that created National Supported Internships Day. In her talk to students, Claire emphasised the importance of partnerships between educators and employers and highlighted the positive impact this collaboration has on young people with learning difficulties. Supported internships can vastly improve employment outcomes for SEND students – enabling them to develop essential skills and grow in confidence. Research has shown that 70% of students who complete supported internships progress to full-time employment.

During the event, Claire said: “We are thrilled to be able to come together again this year and launch a whole range of celebration and campaigning activities. […] if you choose to take part, know that you are building a fairer and more equitable future for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition.”

In the afternoon, students were welcomed into Portcullis House where they wrote and sent letters to their Members of Parliament. They also had the opportunity to meet both the Speaker of the House, Lynsay Hoyle MP, and Chair of Disability APPG, Lisa Cameron MP.

Eamon Mahdar, who is currently completing a supported internship, said: “I really enjoyed the Houses of Parliament visit, as I got to meet new people from other internships. It was really inspiring hearing about the Speaker. It was a great opportunity to be there.”

Kam Kalirai, Head of Foundation Learning at CANDI, said: “I’m so proud of our students and grateful for the opportunities they’ve had. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and meaningful connection.”

Here at Capital City College Group (CCCG), we are committed to supporting SEND students and currently deliver a supported internship programme in conjunction with Moorfields Eye Hospital. We also have a wide range of Foundation and Supported Learning courses aimed at helping our students develop essential skills and further their knowledge in their area of interest, grow in confidence and prepare them for the workplace.

Take a look at our Foundation and Supported Learning courses available and apply now!

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