In recent months CV Life has been running a Supported Internship programme in partnership with Hereward College and Coventry City Council’s Employment and Skills Service.
The programme gives young people, those who might otherwise experience barriers into employment, valuable work experience at our venues alongside a continuing programme of further education.
Three interns have been undertaking a variety of roles at Xcel Leisure Centre, Moat House Leisure Centre and Coventry Transport Museum, with all three becoming valued members of their teams while picking up tons of real-life experience and new skills.
Over at Xcel, Joe has been doing all sorts of tasks, making new friends, and dealing with customers.
Joe, who loves football and is a lifelong Arsenal fan, said: “I like it here. I’ve met a lot of new friends and I enjoy doing the work, speaking to customers and meeting new people.”
Centre manager Ryan Quinn was full of praise for Joe, saying: “Joe’s wicked, very good at his job. We’re able to give him a variety of duties so he brings a lot of extra support.
“He cleans, interacts with customers, and really brings the best out of the centre. It’s great having him.
“For us, he is a brilliant member of the team and for him he gets some work experience, learns new skills and maybe even something more long term eventually.”
Across town, Naveen has been turning heads at Moat House with his impeccable work ethic. But he’s also been using the opportunity to build his confidence.
Naveen, who travels to Moat House daily on the bus from Walsgrave, said: “At first I thought the work was hard but as I have got used to it, it’s got easier. The staff are really friendly and I like talking to them all.
“I have enjoyed being an intern, it’s been good because it’s helped with my confidence and given me lots of skills like communication, because I get to talk to staff and customers every day.”
Moat House centre manager Kayne Mann said: “Naveen has a work ethic you can’t teach. He is a real grafter and makes a big difference when he is in.
“He does a bit of everything, and every single thing he does is done to a high standard. He’s a pleasure to have around.
“It’s been brilliant getting to know Naveen and I honestly couldn’t do without him now, that’s how good he is. It’s been great having him.”
Meanwhile at the Coventry Transport Museum, car enthusiast Callum has been in his element.
Speaking of his time interning at the museum, he said: “It’s been good. Loads of my colleagues have been really supportive and I’ve made some good friends. I’ve been into cars all my life so I enjoy being around the cars all day.”
Coventry Transport Museum Venue Manager Steve thinks their intern has become a valued member of the CTM team.
Steve said: “We’ve got a strong team, and Callum has been a key part of that. He has fit in really well, he’s gained more confidence, learned new skills and just been a really important part of the team.
“He makes a big difference, doing a variety of jobs, stock management, front of house jobs, security, setting up the sleigh ride. He’s been an integral part of the team – he’s punctual, reliable, and works hard. So really I want to say a big thank you to him.”
Hannah Rogers, Supported Internships Coordinator at Coventry City Council, said: “Working in partnership with CV Life has given us the chance to offer Callum a brilliant opportunity in an area of work that he has a real passion for at Coventry Transport Museum.
“The fantastic support from the team and the variety of tasks Callum has been able to get involved in has given him such confidence and helped him really grow as a person which is a pleasure for us all to see.
“We are grateful of the opportunity and look forward to seeing how things progress in the future.”