How Josh made us think differently about work experience

Josh is one of those people.

Not only because of his infectious smile and warm, friendly energy, but because of his vision, creativity and determination.

And maybe some of that comes from his lived experience.

How it started

Josh first came into contact with intoBodmin when he recorded a track for the Ruinarte album with Jen, and later performed at Open Stage here at The Old Library.

So when his Job Coach at St Austell College suggested getting back in touch with us about a work experience opportunity, it all made sense.

Mimi, our Events & Creative Projects Co-ordinator, put together an internship based around Josh — his interests, his ideas and his desire to build his skills using media in a work environment.

And he got stuck in!

From Captain Culture to hidden Bodmin

Josh helped with our Captain Culture campaign for Bodmin’s Town of Culture bid, heading out to local shops and businesses, talking to people about the campaign and persuading them to wear the Captain Culture mask, hold up a sign and pose for photos and videos.

He also started exploring one of the things he’s particularly passionate about: documentary-style journalism and local history.

Josh made videos about some of Bodmin’s hidden gems, including the Camel Trail and its history, St Petroc’s Church and its churchyard, and Bodmin Beacon.

He recorded an episode of his own podcast interviewing Mimi, and took part in the Open Circle podcast too — making a couple of new friends along the way.

“I’ve loved being part of the support system here at intoBodmin and having the opportunity to represent the organisation and break into something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“I’ve always had a passion for documentary-style journalism, getting into the history of the people and places around me. Working at intoBodmin helped me dabble in that. I got to talk to people and film it!”

The experience behind the ambition

Josh is an advocate and member of Equally Abled and has lived experience as a Care Leaver.

“I left care at 17 and had nothing, so I know what it is like to rebuild your life and follow your dreams.”

“That’s what I want to show people — that if you work towards them, then any dream or life is possible.”

Josh is also passionate about making sure people with different experiences are given genuine opportunities.

“Even in this day and age, where people are more accepting of difference, I feel that we still have to fight for our opportunities, now more than ever. My dream is to have the status of Care Leaver as a nationally protected characteristic.”

And Josh is certainly working towards those dreams

This year, he was awarded the Star Student Award by his college before going on to be named Student of the Year by the Cornwall College Group.

He also received a letter from The King, recognising the way he has turned adversity in his life into positive action.

Back to Josh’s internship with us and the difference it has made to him…..

“I now feel like I have an outlet for my creativity and a place to bring my ideas, knowing there is support to bring them to life.”

“I’ve already spoken to Mimi about what’s next and I’m excited for some plans for Spring 2027.”

Josh’s advice?

“If someone else like me was thinking about approaching intoBodmin, I would say feel free to take your ideas in. People at intoBodmin are supportive of people from all walks of life and are open books.”

“If you are creative, don’t be afraid to go in because they are a kind, supportive and dedicated team.”

And what did Josh change for us?

Even though Josh’s internship has finished, we feel like his creative relationship with intoBodmin is only just beginning.

He has already made us think differently about what a work placement can look like.

“Josh has brought lots of positivity. He is such a happy energy to have around, with fresh, new, interesting and different ideas.”

“It’s been a brilliant experience to support someone who had such clear ideas about what they wanted to do, and it’s been fun to put together a work placement that was created around an individual — his ideas and his interests. I think he is really inspirational in his approach and his vision.”

See more from Josh

Got an idea you want to run past us?

We recommend taking Josh’s advice: come on in, grab a cuppa and have 15 minutes with us to chat.