From Supported Internship to Support Worker: Brooke’s Journey
Brooke attended Rotherham College from 2022 to 2024, where she completed the Level 2 Supported Teaching and Learning course before progressing onto a Supported Internship through the College’s FLEX department.
The FLEX department supports young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or High Needs to develop the confidence, independence and employability skills needed to progress into adulthood and employment. Through her Supported Internship, Brooke gained valuable workplace experience in a supported environment while continuing to build the skills and confidence needed for the future.
Looking back on her time at Rotherham College, Brooke says the friendships she made and studying subjects she enjoyed were the highlights of her college experience.
“The best thing about my time at Rotherham College was being with my friends and doing the courses I enjoyed.”
After completing her Supported Internship, Brooke successfully secured paid employment and now works as a Support Worker for adults with learning disabilities, where she makes a positive difference to people’s lives every day.
When asked how Rotherham College helped her achieve her current role, Brooke says it was the encouragement and belief shown by staff that made all the difference.
“They helped me achieve my current role by believing in me when I didn’t think I could. They pushed me to be able to achieve things I never thought possible.”
Brooke’s journey from student to Support Worker demonstrates how the right support, practical experience and determination can help students achieve their ambitions. Her progression through the FLEX department and into paid employment is a fantastic example of how supported learning can lead to meaningful careers.
Her advice to current students is simple:
“Always work hard and you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”
Find out more about the FLEX department at Rotherham College