Redwood School Internship Graduation Ceremony

Redwood School Students Internship Graduation Ceremony

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Students from Redwood School’s sixth form celebrated their graduation from the internship programme last night (15 July) at Number One Riverside.

Awards were given out on the evening, with Rochdale Online Managing Director Pauline Journeaux presenting the pre-intern certificates and Mark Widdup, Rochdale Council Director of Economy and Environment, presenting the Internship Graduation certificates.

The Redwood Real Work Project is a three year course which provides a pre-internship in the second year, which introduces students to the world of work, and then a supported internship in the third year.

The programme aims to put students into paid employment or further training after their internship has ended.

Businesses such as the NHS, Town Hall, Rochdale Council, Whittakers and Wincanton have been involved this year in giving students internships.

Marie English, Employment Officer for the project, said: “It was a superb night. Everyone who was involved in the project made such a huge effort to make it successful.

“We will definitely be continuing the programme due to its success this year. We are currently looking for more employers that will give our students a chance.”

Dave Broome, from Rochdale MBC, said: “It was a fantastic evening which showed young people in a positive light. 

“The employers were all really pleased to have taken part in the project, including ourselves as we were involved in the pre-internship programme. The night gave the students and opportunity to shine and to celebrate their achievements.”

Sue Rigby, Executive and Quality Manager at Whittakers who were involved in the project, said: “We had a student from the project called Declan, who we placed with our janitors.

“Declan was very keen to work with us and blossomed right before our very eyes. His social skills improved dramatically whilst he was here, and he often got on with jobs off his own initiative.

“We were so pleased with Declan that we offered him a job at the end of the internship, but unfortunately he is moving away from the area. However, we will be continuing to work with the Real Work Project Project next year.”

Stuart Pigeon, Headteacher at Redwood School, said: “I was delighted to attend the inaugural Internship Graduation Awards last night at Riverside to highlight the amazing achievements of the youngsters in the first year of the programme. 

“A great turn out from parents, carers, LA, members of the business community, and governors witnesses a memorable evening and recognized the awards to the students. 

“I would like to say a special well done to all the staff for their fantastic work during the year. The Real Work Project is a truly outstanding programme which has seen the local businesses get thoroughly involved.”