Become a Get Set Progress Employer and Benefit from a Talented Blind and Partially Sighted Intern

Date posted: 4th April 2024

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is again collaborating with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to expand the thriving Get Set Progress Internship programme which is now calling for applications from businesses. The window to be part of this next round of 2024 internships is now open and organisations need to submit proposed intern role(s) with an accompanying job description.

To apply Visit TPT Grants Portal.

(You will need to register and apply through the Funding Programmes section.)

Emily Lamb a previous Marketing and Fundraising intern at Focus Birmingham had this to say about her time on the programme:

“The Get Set Progress Internship programme has Improved my confidence, enabling and encouraging me to pursue my career ambitions. I now feel informed, equipped and excited to embrace future employment opportunities!”.

Our ambition for the programme continues to grow and this year we are looking to attract 30 employers to offer blind and partially sighted people an exciting internship within their organisation. Employers from all sectors and industries are encouraged to apply.

Internships are full time (36 hours a week) for 9 months and have a salary based on the real living wage from the Living Wage Foundation. The internships are designed to be development opportunities and each intern has a dedicated training plan, receives a mentor and intensive employability support to provide a meaningful experience. Alongside this, the employer receives support throughout the 9 months from the Internships team including assisting in the advertising of the role, recruitment and selection process and training for employees on sight loss in the workplace. As part of the application to host an Intern, employers can also apply for a grant towards the cost of the  salary for each intern.

TPT has run a programme of paid internships since 2015. 85 percent of interns on the Get Set Progress scheme have gone on to secure employment within six months of completing the programme.

Josh Feehan, Head of Internships at TPT said:

“I am excited to be launching the programme for another year, the programme continues to grow from strength to strength as it continues to showcase the exceptional talent blind and partially sighted people have to offer employers across the country”.

The last round launched earlier this year saw 27 Interns placed in employers across industries including the commercial, creative and third sector. Internships have been created in finance, HR, marketing and public affairs.

If you have an exciting opportunity you would like to recruit into your business, why not consider taking part in the programme?

If you would like further information or to discuss the programme in more detail, please get in touch at: internships@pocklington.org.uk