There Is Still Time for Organisations to Get Involved with the Successful Get Set Progress Internship Programme

Date posted: 6th September 2023

The application process for businesses to join Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Get Set Progress (GSP) internship programme has been extended!

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is collaborating with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to create twenty-five new paid internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. There are significant benefits for businesses getting involved with the programme, not just adding talent into a workforce but also creating more inclusive and diverse employers.

Successful Internships already offered through the programme have included working in the areas of Customer Services, Fundraising, Social Media, Marketing, Policy and Campaigns.

Martin O’ Kane, Strategic Lead for Employment and Technology at RNIB said, “Following the success of the GSP programme over the last year, we are delighted to be supporting the programme again. Internships are a great way of enabling people to try out different roles and to educate employers about how to support staff with sight loss. I urge organisations to apply and get involved with this fantastic programme.”

 

What are the employers saying about their experiences as GSP partners?

Cate Burke, CEO of Focus Birmingham, said:

“Witnessing the profound impact of these internships not only on the individuals themselves but also on us as an organisation, we are reminded that true success lies in embracing diversity and creating a society where everyone, regardless of visual impairment, can fully participate and live life to the full.”

 

How about the interns’ experiences?

Charlie Allen, Communications and Administration Intern at Blatchington Court Trust, said:

“TPT’s support through the Get Set Progress internship programme has provided me with the skill set and knowledge on how to best approach job applications and interviews for positions in which I would have previously steered away from due to low confidence.”

Act now to secure your organisation’s position as a Get Set Progress internship partner today as applications to take part in the programme are now limited.

Organisations will need to submit their proposed intern role with an accompanying job description as part of the application process.

Visit TPT Grants Portal

Internships are full-time (36 hours a week) for nine months and have a salary based on the real living wage from the Living Wage Foundation. The internships are designed to be development opportunities and each intern has a dedicated training plan and receives a mentor and intensive employability support to provide a meaningful experience. Organisations can receive up to 50% funding towards the salary costs of the Intern.

TPT has run a programme of paid internships since 2015. 85% of interns on the Get Set Progress scheme have gone on to secure employment within six months.

Click for our dedicated employers brochure.

Josh Feehan, Head of Internships at TPT said:

“Our Interns continue to demonstrate the value they bring to organisations, many this year have already been notified that they will be retained by their employer. Visually Impaired people, when given a platform like our Get Set Progress programme, showcase the talent they can bring to any business. I am keen to see more businesses take part and benefit from this hugely talented pool.”

Get in touch

Organisations can find more information by contacting Josh Feehan, Head of Internships at: internships@pocklington-trust.org.uk