Shared Values, Real Impact: Nando’s Expands Supported Internships with Petty Pool

Petty Pool College share the expansion of supported internship partnership with Nando’s.

After months of collaboration and relationship-building, we are delighted to confirm that 5 more Nando’s restaurants are offering supported internship opportunities to learners from Petty Pool College- a North West based SEND college.

Each restaurant has committed to offering at least one placement, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to develop skills, confidence and real workplace experience.

The confirmed restaurants are:

• Warrington Junction 9
• Warrington Golden Square
• Widnes
• St Helens
• Crewe

This expansion marks a significant step forward for inclusive employment in the North West region and shows what is possible when businesses invest in people and work in partnership.

Built on proven success

This growth follows the success of supported internships completed last academic year by Petty Pool learners David and Mark at Nando’s Warrington Junction 9, who at the end were offered a permanent paid role. Their placements demonstrated the positive impact supported internships can have, not only for learners, but for businesses and teams.

When Store Manager Alice first welcomed David and Mark, supported internships were new to her. Within a week, her perspective had changed. She quickly saw how closely the programme aligned with Nando’s culture and values.

David and Mark became valued members of the front-of-house team, bringing enthusiasm, dedication and positivity. Alice described them as “role models to the staff team” and shared that they “add a huge amount to the business”.

Their impact was felt across the restaurant. Team members worked more collaboratively, customers commented on the welcoming atmosphere, and the experience encouraged Alice to rethink her approach to recruitment and inclusive hiring.

The right support makes the difference

A key part of this success was the support provided by Petty Pool Job Coach Rachel. Alice praised Rachel’s role in making the placements smooth and positive, helping both learners and staff feel confident and supported.

Reflecting on the partnership, Rachel said Nando’s mission, “Let’s create lasting happiness and change lives together”, was “a perfect fit for Petty Pool’s supported interns”.

This shared approach to inclusion and support has laid strong foundations for the partnership to grow.

A partnership that benefits everyone

This expansion is not about businesses doing Petty Pool a favour. It is about mutual benefit.

Nando’s have seen first-hand the value that Petty Pool learners bring to their teams. In return, Petty Pool works closely with employers to provide job coaching, guidance and practical support that makes inclusive employment achievable and sustainable.

With continued support from Petty Pool, Nando’s Warrington Junction 9 has also achieved Disability Confident Level 1, strengthening their commitment to inclusive recruitment.

Inspiring other employers

This growing partnership sends a clear message to other businesses: Supported internships work.

As Alice shared, “I initially thought that we as a team at Nando’s would be helping David and Mark. Instead, I’ve realised that David and Mark have had a much greater impact on our team. We’ve benefitted from having them as part of our restaurant, not the other way around.”

Petty Pool Employer Partnerships and Work Experience Manager, Victoria Atherton says “ We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Nando’s and excited to see it continue to grow. Together, we are creating opportunities that support learners, strengthen businesses and show what inclusive employment can achieve.

If you are an employer interested in supported internships and want to understand how they could work in your workplace, we would love to hear from you.”

For further information about this partnership, supported internships, or to arrange interviews, please contact the our team at comms@pettypool.org.uk.