I first started at bemix in March 2017, volunteering as a Media Designer at The Pulse in Sittingbourne. I created posters and leaflets using design software to help promote bemix and the Supported Internships programme. I enjoyed working for bemix and everyone made me feel very welcome.  I knew it was somewhere I wanted to work one day.

In September 2017, I began Teaching Assisting in functional skills as a volunteer.  It was a career I thought I would like to try. I enjoyed working with the students and getting to know them whilst helping them with tasks in the lessons. After assisting in functional skills up until the end of term (June) and learning a lot of new skills, I realised that I really enjoyed this area of work and that it was something I wanted to pursue in the future.

In September 2018, I started a new position as a paid Work Coach in the Supported Internships team. This was a new position for me and was something I wasn’t sure of at first but after gaining more experience in this role I began to enjoy it more.

However, I missed being a Teaching Assistant and wanted to find out more about becoming one.  After researching qualifications that I would need, I found a job advertised on Mid Kent College website asking for a Learning Support Assistant. I decided to apply for this position and after a successful interview I was offered a permanent contract as a Learning Support Assistant for 20 hours a week which I was very pleased with and decided to accept this offer.

I am hoping that I can still be a Work Coach and work with bemix as well as my new position with Mid Kent. I am very grateful to everyone at bemix.  They have given me lots of experience and the confidence to progress with my career. The team at bemix have included me in everything (socially and work related) and have made me feel like part of the family along with making some very good friends who I will keep in touch with in the future.   

"It's been a pleasure to see Jason grow in confidence over the last 18 months with us. He started off just doing a couple of hours a week but I could see instantly how good his work was. The team have taken him on board, giving him support and lots of varied experience which has lead to him finding the career path he wants to take. He has joined us on all our social events too! We hope he stays with bemix as his support over the summer in particular has been invaluable doing not just work coaching and assisting the teacher but also decorating our new office." - Gemma - Project Lead for Supported Internships, Medway

Volunteering Opportunities at bemix