The first graduates of a supported internship programme have secured permanent jobs.

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) initiative, in partnership with Regency High School and DFN Project SEARCH, provides work experience for students aged 16 to 24 with learning disabilities.

A graduation ceremony at Worcestershire Royal Hospital celebrated the achievements of these young people, who have now embarked on their new career paths.

Read more: Sociable Beer Company Worcester to close with 'Final Fling'

Among the successful graduates is Michaela Goodger, who began her journey in the catering office, undertaking various administrative tasks.

Her desire to explore different roles led her to become a housekeeping assistant under ISS, the trust’s contracted service provider.

Her "exceptional performance", which included achieving a five-star audit review while working independently, earned her a permanent position within the housekeeping department, both within ISS and the trust.

Josh Hines found his niche in the pathology department, starting in specimen reception.

His attention to detail and strong work ethic quickly made him an important part of the team.

His journey culminated in a successful interview for a medical laboratory assistant position, where he continues to excel.

Ethan Kenny’s path led him from catering to a clinical role in endoscopy, where he discovered his passion for the healthcare environment.

His hard work and enthusiasm resulted in him securing his dream job as a porter in endoscopy.

Libby Marshall, apprenticeship and widening participation lead, said: "The remarkable resilience, determination, and personal growth displayed by each graduate shows that, with the right support, everyone has the potential to succeed.

"Their success highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in creating inclusive employment opportunities.

"The feedback from their work placement managers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significant contributions and positive impacts these graduates have made within their respective teams."

The trust and its partners are now looking forward to welcoming the next cohort of supported interns in October.

The initiative is seen as a crucial step in providing inclusive employment opportunities and helping young people with learning disabilities take their first steps into the world of work.

The success of these graduates is a testament to the positive impact of this programme.