DCG Success Stories

Nikita’s dedication, enthusiasm and outstanding performance during her placement at ODEON Luxe Derby led to her being offered paid employment with the cinema.

Her journey shows how the right support and inclusive opportunities can help people achieve their career goals.

Nikita said: “My job is going well. I like the work and the team I’m working with. I do a bit of everything – cleaning, screen checks and meeting and greeting customers.

“I also get to see some films. Derby College and my Job Coach were helpful. They helped me find the right placement.”

Supported by DCG Job Coach Tamsin Hudson throughout her internship, Nikita was able to develop the skills and confidence she needed to apply to ODEON Luxe for a full-time job.

Tamsin added: “Nikita has progressed so much throughout her 2 years working with the Job Coaches and her confidence has flourished.

“I was with Nikita initially while she settled into her placement but after that saw her every 2 to 3 weeks.

“We continued to provide wraparound care, such as by helping her with her applications, interview skills and advocacy when a cinema host vacancy arose.”

And, 8 months into her role, Nikita continues to impress her employer.

Cinema manager Natasha Roberts-Cresswell said: “Nikita is doing very well. She was the first person to join us through the Supported Internships scheme and since then we’ve had other young people come to us on placement via the programme.

“It’s a good way for them to get a better understanding of what we do and find out whether they like the job. Even if cinema hosting isn’t the right fit for them, it’s still a valuable experience.

“Derby College reached out to me about employability programmes not long after I joined ODEON Luxe in Derby. The team there has been so helpful.

“They always give us information about the prospective intern before they come along to meet us so we know how best to help them.

“All support is tailored to the individual interns’ needs, and the Job Coaches are always ready to provide any additional assistance if it’s required.”

ODEON adjusted its usual training methods to best suit Nikita’s needs. So, instead of learning about essential areas such as cinema fire regulations and health and safety via online courses, she instead received in-person, on-the-job training.

Nikita added: “I work a mix of shifts and it can get very busy, especially at weekends. It’s really busy now as it’s the school holidays and we’re showing Toy Story Five and Moana, which has only recently come out.”

Derby College Supported Internships are delivered in partnership with employers to young people with inclusion needs such as autism who aspire to gain paid work.

Usually lasting 6 to 10 months, the placements include at least 16 hours a week in the workplace and are aimed at students like Nikita aged 18 to 24 with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).