Interns step into the spotlight at graduations held across North Wales
12/08/2026
A new generation of talented young people have proudly graduated from their 12-month internship receiving their certificates at ceremonies across North Wales with their families.
The internship is part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB) Project SEARCH/Supported Internships to help adults and young education leavers with learning disabilities or autism to secure employment.
22 interns graduated over the summer from placements held in Flintshire County Council, ClwydAlyn Housing Association and BCUHB in roles such as Catering, Administration, Portering, Facilities, Ward Assistant, Pharmacy, Recycling and others across North Wales, marking the conclusion of another successful internship programme.
Dyfed Edwards, Chair of BCUHB, said: "One of the highlights of my year is attending our internship graduation ceremonies and meeting the incredible young people who have taken part in the programmes. It is always inspiring to hear about their experiences and see how much they have developed during their time with us.
"Our interns bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and are a real inspiration. They have made a positive contribution to teams across the Health Board, and their achievements should be celebrated.
"I would like to congratulate every graduate on completing their internship and thank them for the impact they have had on our organisation. I wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing where their careers take them next."
The programme has provided participants with the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain insight into careers within the NHS and wider healthcare sector.
The graduation events recognised the hard work, dedication and personal development demonstrated by the students during their placements.
Tracey Amos, Operational Lead on Project Search/Supported Internships for the Health Board, said: "We are incredibly proud of all the graduates who have completed our internship programme this year. Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn have made a real impact across our services.
"The internship programme is an important part of nurturing future talent and helping young people explore the wide variety of careers available within the NHS.
“I’d also like to thank all of our partners and Health Board staff who support Project SEARCH/Supported Internships, across North Wales, the programmes wouldn’t be such a great success without them.”
The internship programmes are also supported by regional authorities, disability charity HFT, Coleg Llandrillo Menai and Agoriad Cyf.
The internship programme forms part of the Health Board's ongoing commitment to supporting education, employability and workforce development across the region.
Graduate Adam Watson interned as a receptionist at Health Board offices based in Mold, and he has now started an apprenticeship to continue his role there.
Adam said: "It's been an absolute joy to work with everyone at my placement in the offices in Preswylfa, Mold. It's helped me come out of my shell more, as when I started there, I was quite nervous and a bit antisocial.
"The internship has been absolutely, monumentally, life changing. Everyone's been so supportive and kind, especially my manager Kate, she's been absolutely wonderful. I've learned so much, met lots of people and gained a better understanding of the different roles within the NHS."
The internship programmes will be welcoming a new cohort in September 2026, which, for the first time, includes new internships at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.