AN ENGINEERING student from Leamington has a sparky future following a successful internship with a national utility firm.
Brandon Radcliffe, aged 20, worked alongside industry experts at National Grid as part of its EmployAbility-Let’s Work Together supported internship programme in partnership with leading college group WCG.
Through the programme, the college group’s supported learning department works in partnership with National Grid to provide work placements for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Mechanically-minded Brandon had recently finished his BTEC Level Three diploma in engineering with WCG’s Warwick Trident College and Leamington College, and was looking to progress within the sector when he was recommended the supported internship programme by college tutor Dave Evans.
Through his nine-month supported internship, Brandon worked with colleagues across the business, supporting on various projects while based in the National Grid Control Room at Warwick Technology Park.
His role included researching and giving presentations, contributing to the development of a business continuity plan, creating business plans, and building organisational charts to be used across his team and department.
Brandon said: “I was thrilled when I got accepted into the supported internship programme – to be placed within a major company like National Grid is a dream come true. My colleagues have been great and I learnt a lot in my role.
“The supported learning department, and in particular my job coach Devi who has been so supportive and encouraging, helping me to achieve my goals and grow my skills and confidence in a professional work environment.
“The internship has given me invaluable experience which I am using to take the next step in my electrical engineering career.”
