Posted on Thursday 3rd April 2025
Luke Baker, Skills Coach for Mencap and Megan
A woman from Cheadle, Staffordshire is one step closer to her dream of becoming a film and soap opera actress after securing a paid job with major local employer.
22-year-old Megan Probyn who has mild learning disabilities, secured a permanent position with Wincanton after completing a six-month placement as part of the supported internship programme.
The permanent position means that Megan, who is already known on the local acting and pantomime circuit, can continue to live independently and follow her dream to have her name in lights one day.
Supported by work and skills coaches from Mencap, the work-based learning programme supports young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs. It allows people to spend valuable time in the workplace, gaining employment-ready skills and bringing real value to business culture and productivity.
Megan said:
“I love working with Wincanton at Screwfix at Trentham Lakes.
“As part of my internship I’ve worked in Communications, and health and safety, and I’ll continue to be part of ensuring health and safety throughout the factory. As part of my new paid job, I’ll be on the factory floor in the packing department and helping others to do their roles, too.
“Having the job means that I can follow my longer-term dreams of being an actress, whilst also being a part of the team here. I want to tell people with disabilities that you can do it, don’t let people tell you that you can’t work. Always follow your dreams.”
Wincanton is leading the way in supporting young people to gain the skills they need for paid employment, having hired over 50% of young people placed with them.
Gez Prendergast, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Wincanton, said:
“People on the supported internship programme are filling a very real business need and are very employable.
“Meg is an absolute star and we’re really pleased that through her hard work and ability to open up to different opportunities and to learn, she’ll be working with us permanently.
“She’s added an energy and enthusiasm to our site that is seldom matched. She will be a key component in helping the whole team do their jobs in her new role. This role works for her and us.”
Darryl Eyers, Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills at Staffordshire County Council said: “Our huge congratulations to Meg who really shows just how employable these young people are after the learning and support they receive through the programme.
“I would urge businesses of any size to find out more about the programme and consider offering a placement. It’s the right thing to do but it’s also fully-funded. It really is a win-win for everyone involved.”
Thanks to the success of the supported internships programme, Wincanton will be taking on a record number of interns from September and holding the young people’s classroom and work-based activities on-site in Screwfix’s Lichfield site.
Businesses can find out more on the supported internships webpage.