Young people benefit from supported internships at the RD&E thanks to partnership with Exeter College

Young people with learning disabilities are benefitting from a new training initiative provided at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital in partnership with Exeter College.

The Trust has been selected by the college to provide supported internships to help young people develop some of the skills they’ll need for the workplace.

“The scheme promises wins all round, for the interns, for our staff and managers and for our patients” explains Mark Gill, Head of Workforce Planning & Development.

The supported internships are tailor-made for the programme. Hospital managers take the routine duties in their workplace and build them into real, useful roles, which are fulfilling and enriching.

Sharon Gilborson, course leader at Exeter College said: “The expectations of the interns will be to establish clear career paths and develop skills for meaningful future employment. Working alongside managers at the RD&E, we have carved specific job roles to enable interns to gain practical experience as well as benefit the employer by adding diversity to the workforce”. 

Intern Shaun Moore, age 20, had previously found it challenging to meet new people before he started at Exeter College. . Now he’s looking forward to joining the RD&E Estates team, testing emergency lights. “I’m going to like walking around the hospital checking that the lights work,” said Shaun.

Work in a busy hospital can be challenging, especially for someone with learning disabilities, however the interns are supported all the time they are at the RD&E by experts from Exeter College. These workplace supporters learn what the interns do, then stay on site to help the interns pick up their jobs and fit in.

Sharon Gilborson added: “We are there to give them all the intensive help they need to settle in, then gradually back away, until the interns gain independence and feel more confident in their job role.”

For further information please contact For further information please contact: Gwen Powell, Communication Officer on 01392 406941 or gwenpowell@nhs.net