Supported Interns Attend Careers Event at John Whitgift Foundation

Three supported interns attended a careers event at the prestigious Audience Chamber, John Whitgift Foundation Almshouses in Croydon. The event was held at the historic Almshouses on North End and was organised by Croydon Commitment.

The morning began with introductions and a welcome from the Chief Executive Officer, Roisha Hughes of the John Whitgift Foundation, who spoke about the Foundation’s origins and ongoing mission. Founded over 430 years ago, it was established to provide education and care for local Croydon residents and continues to fulfil this purpose today through subsidised sheltered housing for older people, alongside its wider education and care services.

The interns took part in a careers talk, hearing from speakers across health and social care, Further Education, and Post‑16 provision, who shared their career journeys and insights into their current roles:

• Angela from a care home within the John Whitgift Foundation spoke about working as an Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator, supporting older residents through a range of activities including exercise sessions, baking, trips, and visits from community services such as the fire brigade and police.
• Angela an Additional Learning Support Manager explained how the college oversees provision for students with additional needs. This included information about Supported Internships and practical, work‑based opportunities such as running a coffee shop, retail activities, and kitchen work on a rotational basis.
• An EHCP Coordinator from Croydon College spoke about their role in supporting students with Education, Health and Care Plans and how these plans link to education, internships, and preparation for employment.
• Heather from Learning Consortium (LLC), a small Sixth Form college, spoke about their business development role, focusing on securing new income opportunities and supporting students to progress into education, training and employment.

Interns were then given the opportunity to ask questions before taking part in an interactive interview skills session. Practical interview advice and guidance were shared by the speakers, alongside Croydon Commitment hosts Melinda and Fiona, helping interns understand what employers look for and how to prepare confidently for interviews.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Almshouses, where Interns explored the chapel and grounds and learned more about the subsidised housing provided by the John Whitgift Foundation.

Overall, the event was an engaging and informative experience, giving Supported Interns valuable exposure to different career pathways while building confidence, employability skills, and aspirations for the future.