Max’s supported internship journey: Overcoming challenges and landing his dream job

17 July
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Max joined the Shaw Trust Supported internship programme in January 2022 and initially had very little confidence. Max was experiencing anxiety in everyday life and would struggle to talk to peers within his learning sessions.

At the start of the internship Max was unsure of what he wanted to do for a career, having no previous work experience. One of the job coaches Zeb supported Max on all three of his placements whilst on the internship.

Max undertook two office-based placements, with the third placement as a Customer Service Assistant at Kings Cross London Underground station. Max served a range of customers including VIP’s and customers whose first language was not English. Due to Max’s growth in confidence whilst being on the internship he remained calm and provided world class customer service by guiding and supporting customers in getting to their respective destinations. Saving them not only time, but money and providing a positive customer experience.

“During the one year long Supported Internship program with Transport for London through Shaw Trust I gained more confidence which allowed me to enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. While I was there, I learnt a lot of new skills which I will be able to use in the future. I have improved my social skills and confidence and got myself a job as a result which I’m really happy about!”  – Max, supported internship participant

It’s during his time working with Transport for London, Max developed his passion for working in the rail industry. Upon successful completion of the internship Max continued to be supported by his job coach in pursuit of paid employment. Max applied for a Customer Service Assistant role on the Elizabeth Line however his application was rejected due to his vision (colour deficiency). This was a safety critical role and therefore it was not suitable for Max. Instead, Max secured a part time job working in an Amazon warehouse.

Whilst working part-time Max did not give up on his dream. He continued to be supported by his job coach who helped with job applications in his pursuit of working in the rail industry. Max was supported to apply for a role with South Western Railway. This involved application support and interview preparation. As a result Max was successful and received a job with the company.

Max’s vision was not a concern for this specific role as it is not a safety critical area in which he is based. After three weeks of initial training at Basingstoke, Max started his full-time role in March 2024 and is thriving in his new role, he loves going to work every single day.  

The future holds big things for Max, and we are very much looking forward to seeing him grow and flourish in the rail industry. Well done Max! 

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