Supported Internship leads to Furniture Link apprenticeship for Alex
A local man has secured a warehousing apprenticeship with a furniture firm in the town following a successful placement through the Job Box service.
Alex Cochraine, 20, is now working at Furniture Link at Hortonwood 60 in Hadley after impressing bosses during a Supported Internship programme while studying at Telford College.
The programme helps young people with special educational needs or disabilities gain workplace experience. Alex started his placement in March 2025, originally working two shifts a week. After he was trained to use a PPT truck and showed his potential, the firm offered him extra hours.
He is now working towards a Warehousing Operative qualification. The government-backed initiative aims to help those aged 16 to 24 move closer to the job market by matching their aspirations with local employers.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for children, young people, education, employment and skills, said: “It’s fantastic that Alex has been taken on as a full-time warehouse operative apprentice with Furniture Link following a successful Supported Internship programme.
“Supported Internships can transform the lives of young people with special needs or disabilities, giving them an important foothold in the workplace, boosting their skills and confidence at the same time, which set them up for paid employment and a future career.”
The councillor added that Alex has become a valued member of the team and wished him well with his new role.
Furniture Link imports and supplies furniture for the home from its base in Hadley. The firm noted that the apprenticeship has allowed Alex to join the warehouse team full-time.
Julie Reynolds, general manager at Furniture Link, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer Alex the opportunity of an apprenticeship at Furniture Link. This has enabled Alex to become a full-time member of our warehouse team and to expand his learning even further.
“Alex is always punctual, hardworking and eager to learn. It has been a pleasure to see him grow and develop his communication and warehousing skills so much over recent months and he is proving to be a great asset to the team.”
