One of these initiatives is the supported internship programme, working with companies such as Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel.

The programme is designed to place young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities in real work settings, where they learn first-hand about all aspects of gaining and maintaining work.

Maria Lee, a student who is on placement in the Princess Royal Hospital’s Café Bistro, discussed the positive effect the supported internship has had on her job prospects.

“I was recommended by the college to start an internship after completing another course within Foundation Learning. I get to speak to and serve a lot of customers, making their food and drink. I also get to check stock, prepare food to display and clean up.

“I love working with people. All the customers are really lovely to me and I really enjoy just speaking to them. I think I’ve learnt a lot of skills, such as time management, maths and customer service.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends in the café. I’d love to keep working there full time when my placement is finished.”

Kaylee Rutherford, a student helping in the Princess Royal’s mail room said: “My jobs include sorting out the mail to go to all the correct areas of the hospital. We also receive all mail going out of the hospital, and sort them by stamp class so they can be collected by the Royal Mail.

“I’m really enjoying my work so far – I’m really happy working in their team and I’d love to continue working in the job in the future.”

Interns are also supported by a tutor and a job coach from Telford College and mentors from their placements, who supervise students and are on hand to offer advice.

One of the college’s passionate job coaches for the supported internship programme, Hanna Leonova, said: “The main aim of the programme is to support young people to gain paid employment, allowing them to experience a job and industry before committing to it.

“It also helps them develop skills valued by employers, such as social and communications skills, building their confidence in their own abilities too.

“Employers also get chance to meet new, potential employees with a desire to work and learn new skills. Our students have fresh ideas and perspectives that are valuable to employers, as they look to develop young talents into their future committed workforce.”

Helen Collins, work placement coordinator for Telford College, said: “We are keen to work collaboratively with local employers, so more students can access the programme and be given the opportunity of gaining paid employment.

“If you are an employer and are interested in hosting students on work placements during their supported internship programme, please contact us for more information.”