Supported Interns from Stratford-upon-Avon College are continuing to excel at Compton Verney as the long-running partnership goes from strength-to-strength.
Compton Verney, an arts and culture venue with galleries, exhibitions and 120 acres of historic parkland, has been part of the College’s Supported Internship programme for four years, providing meaningful work placements that combine art, nature, creativity and business. With a strong track record of interns progressing into further training, education and employment, Compton Verney has become a key champion of the initiative.
Current interns James Hunt, 23 from Fenny Compton, and Alex Caudwell, 25 from Leamington Spa, are among those benefiting from the opportunity. Both are developing valuable, work-based skills across a range of roles, including supporting the Creative Learning and Engagement team, helping with visitor-facing activity in the galleries and working alongside the Landscape team.
James, featured above, around the grounds of Compton Verney and taking part in a variety of his weekly activities
Supported Internships are structured programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), centred around a substantial work placement, supported by expert job coaches, alongside one day per week at college.
Compton Verney’s Creative Learning and Engagement Manager, Emma Butchart, details why they are so dedicated: “From the beginning, we were struck by the employment gap experienced by young people with additional needs, and by the barriers they can face when entering the workplace. It really resonated with us and encouraged us to explore how we could create meaningful opportunities at Compton Verney. When we learned about the College’s Supported Internship programme, it felt like an ideal fit. It gave us the chance to be part of a valuable initiative, while also benefiting from the dedicated support of the College’s Job Coaches.
Compton Verney is in a strong position to offer a wide range of work placement opportunities. We already welcome thousands of school pupils each year, and our combination of galleries, learning activity, visitor experience and 120 acres of parkland creates varied roles across art, nature and the wider organisation. Access to nature and green space can also support health and wellbeing, so the setting offers interns a distinctive and supportive environment in which to build confidence, develop skills and gain experience of the workplace.”
Job Coach, Cassie Gibbs, adds to why Supported Internships can be so beneficial: “Interns see themselves in a different light, being in a workplace setting, working alongside other adults. You can come and be whoever you are.”
For James, the internship has been an ideal way to build on his creative background in photography and art after completing a Level 3 Photography course and then a Level 4 in Art & Design: “I thought this internship would allow me to combine my passions of nature and photography and also develop more skills that can help me get a full-time job in the future. I’ve really enjoyed everything, but one thing is working in the gallery. You get to talk to visitors about the artwork and that’s always something I look forward to!”
Alex, who previously studied Animal Care, has been able to develop his passion for wildlife photography during his placement. He has even sold his work to raise funds for Compton Verney, demonstrating the real-world impact of his experience.
As they approach the end of their internships, both students are now applying for full-time roles, taking the next step towards their future careers; a reflection of both their dedication and the supportive environment provided by Compton Verney.
