A young intern from Oxfordshire has impressed his supervisors in an unexpected way – by turning a workplace progress meeting into a successful sales opportunity.
Warwick Bourton, 19, is gaining hands-on experience with Oxford Office Furniture, based in Bicester, as part of a supported internship scheme organised by Oxfordshire County Council.
When his supervisors visited to review his progress, Warwick showcased his growing confidence and sales skills by selling them a pair of office chairs on the spot.
The supported internship programme helps young people with additional needs build skills, gain confidence and find roles that suit their individual strengths.
Warwick’s placement at the family-run furniture company has proven to be a perfect match, with staff and supervisors alike praising his development and enthusiasm.
Kay Thomas, from Oxford Office Furniture, said: “I couldn’t believe it, there I was giving one of the county council’s employment team an update on how Warwick is settling in. Then out of the corner of my eye, I notice him shaking the hand of their colleague. Next thing, he’s helping them load two chairs into the back of their car!
“It made me laugh and also very proud. We were confident this placement would work, however, seeing him using his initiative like that showed what a great decision we made in supporting the council’s internship scheme.
“Warwick might be working in office furniture, but as he’s finding out every day, it’s so much more than a desk job.”
The experience is not only honing Warwick’s natural sales skills. He’s also learning about the environment and bolstering his knowledge of digital communications and marketing.
Warwick said: “All the office furniture is recycled, nothing goes to landfill, that’s something I really like. I can tell you that chairs and desks are returned from clients, cleaned, safety checked, and then reused, as good as new.
“We’re not just talking a few either, there are over 1,000 chairs waiting to be reused in one of the main warehouses, and it’s me who sells them to the next customers too.
“I’m promoting equipment on social media, selling it on eBay, delivering and collecting. I’m often the passenger in Kay’s delivery truck, just in Oxfordshire at the moment, but there are customers right across the UK, so hopefully I’ll get to venture further in the future.
“I love the travelling as there’s loads of time to chat with the driver, see new places, and it’s great meeting all the people we deliver to. I got a 100 per cent pass on my manual handling course, so bagging qualifications as well.
“I’ve always enjoyed social media, however, it wasn’t until I came to Oxford Office Furniture that I discovered how it’s used by companies to promote their products; the whole experience is fun and exciting.”
Warwick is a former pupil of The Bicester School and since 2022 has been at Activate College in Banbury studying Level 3 mechanics and IT, alongside his supported internship at Oxford Office Furniture.
Lisa Lyons, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Children Services, said: “Our Oxfordshire-supported internship scheme offers huge benefits for young people and adults with additional needs, helping them gain meaningful employment opportunities.
“We are particularly pleased with Warwick’s progress. He has already benefited from support through our children and young people’s team. Now we’re able to continue with him on his journey, watching him thrive through this exciting work placement.
“By securing and retaining a job, individuals like Warwick gain a real sense of achievement, being part of a workforce and living as independently as possible.”
Oxfordshire Employment plays an important part in the county council’s Oxfordshire Way vision to support people to live well and independently, within their own communities for as long as possible.
It is also part of the council’s commitment to work with local businesses and partners for environmental, economic and social benefit. The programme adds significant social value while helping to diversify the local job market. The council has been providing supported employment for almost 80 years.
