From Internship to Employment with Jackson Rowe

Reuben’s Journey from Supported Internship to Paid Employment

As part of his supported internship programme with Eastleigh College, Reuben attended the college’s end-of-term Reverse Jobs Fair. Reuben had completed his work experience hours for his supported internship within hospitality, but was interested in exploring a different field. The event was attended by local employers seeking to connect with students and identify potential candidates. Elinor Harvey, Employment & Skills Coordinator at Jackson Rowe, attended to explore opportunities for students interested in gaining experience within the construction industry. Following discussions at the event, Reuben was offered a three-week work experience placement with Stelling Properties at their Southampton High Street development, a project focused on modular construction. The placement provided Reuben with a valuable opportunity to gain first hand experience of working on a live construction site while developing practical skills and workplace confidence.

Throughout the placement, Reuben demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. His responsibilities included assisting with the preparation and setup of show homes, shadowing both the Site Manager and Assistant Site Manager to gain a better understanding of construction site operations, supporting administrative tasks, and participating in site walkarounds and inspections. This led to Reuben developing an understanding of site management processes, health and safety procedures, and the day-to-day requirements of working within the construction sector.

Reuben’s positive attitude led Stelling Properties to recognise his potential, and they subsequently offered him paid employment as a labourer. In his new role, Reuben has taken on a range of practical construction tasks, including moving and lifting plasterboards, assisting with general site duties, and operating equipment such as jackhammers to break up and remove concrete under supervision. The transition from work experience placement to paid employment highlights the value of providing meaningful workplace opportunities for young people with additional support needs. Reflecting on his experience, Reuben shared “It has made me feel excited to take on the role of labourer. I like manual work and lifting and moving objects. They are very nice workers on the site and there are great people to observe here.”

Reuben’s Job Coach from Eastleigh College, James, explained that “It’s been a supportive environment. The management team have shown real belief in Reuben, encouraging him and supporting his learning needs throughout. Reuben has really got stuck in, and it has helped develop his independence in an unfamiliar working environment. The changes in working hours, expectations, and time management have all provided opportunities for growth. This experience has given Reuben the chance to learn a job from the ground up while building a greater understanding of the workplace and what it means to be part of a team.”

Justin Mullholland, Site Manager for Stelling Properties said:

“Reuben was helpful, had a good sense of humour, and worked well with the team. It must be hard as a young person starting out, but he showed initiative and quickly grasped what we were doing. He was respectful, listened well, and showed a real interest in the project. I could see he had ambition and a positive attitude towards earning money and building a career, which is why the construction industry appealed to him. It was also good that he already had a job in a pub, as this had given him an understanding of how the world of work operates. He had a taste of it and was keen for more.”

Reuben’s progression from supported internship student to paid employee is a testament to his hard work and determination, as well as the supportive approach taken by Stelling Properties and the wider team involved in his development.