‘Proud and independent!’

That is how Dylan Worsnop is feeling after landing a full-time job with Acorn Stairlifts.

Dylan shone during his supported internship with the Steeton-based manufacturer, which has now taken him on as a Production Operative.

He relished the practical side of his internship and is delighted it has now led to a permanent position.

He said: “I really enjoyed being at work much better than the academic part of the course. I have a full-time job now so I would definitely recommend doing a supported internship!”

A fruitful partnership

We have been teaming up with Acorn Stairlifts on our supported internships for a number of years. These are work-based study programmes for 16-24 year olds with additional needs who have an Education, Health and Care plan.

By working with our industry partners closely we give our interns opportunities to gain valuable skills, experience and qualifications ‘on-the-job’ – often leading to paid employment.

This benefits the employers as well as the students, as Acorn Stairlifts’ Production Manager, Ryan Baron, explains. He said: “We get to see what the interns are like at work so we know they will be good workers.

“Dylan has been a great addition to the team. He’s performed really well and has a really good attitude and work ethic; he’s polite, a quick learner and is hard working with a great personality.

“He has picked up and learnt new tasks quickly, is good at hitting targets which keeps the factory flowing, and his timekeeping is excellent.”

Just rewards for outstanding commitment

Our Deputy Head of High Needs and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), Emma Rich, added: “We are incredibly proud to see Dylan reach this significant milestone. He has shown unwavering dedication and hard work, even through the holidays, and his determination has been recognised.

“We are thrilled that he has been offered a full-time role with Acorn Stairlifts. This achievement is a testament to his commitment and passion.

“Here’s to the power of supported internships and the incredible opportunities they create!”

Subhan Mahmood has had more reason than most to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

The 19 year old has landed a full-time position with Acorn Stairlifts after impressing the Steeton business during his time there as one of our apprentices.

Subhan began his training with the stairlift manufacturer’s customer services team in August, 2023 and made an impact thanks to his enthusiasm, hard work and desire to learn new skills.

Those qualities convinced the business to offer him a permanent role, and Subhan – who previously worked in a fast-food restaurant – couldn’t be happier.

‘I’m on my way!’

He said: “It feels fantastic. I think my hard work has really paid off and I’m well on my way to achieving my goal of becoming a service engineer for Acorn.

“In customer service, I talk to customers on the phone, helping them if they have any problems with their stairlift, and book services for them.

“I had a good experience on my apprenticeship course. Every Monday I had sessions with my tutor, Sarah Barwell, who really helped me with my coursework. And my team leaders at college were very supportive if I needed extra help.

“I would recommend doing an apprenticeship to others. I have gained so much customer service experience through my apprenticeship, placement, and coursework and I’m comfortable now talking to different customers in a good manner.”

A reward for commitment and a positive attitude

Subhan’s Team Leader at Acorn Stairlifts, Bethany Berry, said: “The apprentices we take on from the college are always hard-working and add value to our business, but Subhan stood out.

“He showed that he was willing to try hard throughout his apprenticeship, and was always happy to take part in any training offered to help him gain further knowledge of Acorn and our stairlifts.

“He has also been working hard on improving his customer service soft skills, and as a result has one of our highest inbound call numbers.

“Subhan has aspirations of becoming a service engineer at Acorn, so we will help in every way that we can with that – at the moment he is working in our customer services faults team to build up his knowledge of the product.”

‘A brilliant option’ – apprenticeships unlock careers

Our college, which is preparing to open a dedicated new Engineering hub, has a longstanding working relationship with Acorn Stairlifts and regularly places apprentices, plus supported interns, with the firm.

Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth, Clare Fitzgerald, said: “We are delighted to see Subhan land this position which could be his first step into a rewarding career.

“It is through our partnerships with prestigious local firms like Acorn Stairlifts that we secure quality placements for our apprentices and students that lead to opportunities like this.

“Apprenticeships are a brilliant option for anyone who wants to earn while they learn and gain a quick route into their chosen career path, as Subhan’s story – which we’re proud to share during National Apprenticeship Week – demonstrates.”

National Apprenticeship Week, which this year runs from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February, is a  week-long annual celebration that highlights the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses and the economy.