Do you have any questions about this provider?
- Referral team -Referral team
- referrals@bemix.org
- 01227374285
- Visit Website
Other locations
Image gallery
Click on any image to enlarge.
bemix
Office 44. Canterbury Innovation Centre. , University Road, Canterbury, CT2 7FG.
Employer courses Adult learning Supported courses Other Options
About us
You will continue to develop skills in Maths and English and workplace skills, with the ultimate goal of helping you to achieve paid employment at the end of this programme.
Student support
We have very small class sizes of 8-12 students, that are supported by a Teacher and a Teaching Assistant.
Whilst in your work placement, you are supported individually by your Supported Employment Specialist who will stay with you throughout the year( Onsite, full-time to begin with). This support will slowly reduce as your confidence and independence grows.
What makes us different?
We are a Kent-based, specialist post-16 education organisation with charitable status and have specialised in this space for over 25 years.
We support people with learning disabilities and Autistic people to become more independent and confident, and we actively encourage people to hear, respect and empower people as equals.
We promote positive action to challenge negative attitudes about neurodiversity.
We work with local communities so that people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people become fully included and no longer segregated in society.
Transport
Should you require support in travelling, your Specialist may also provide travel training to enable you to get to and from your work placement. We can also support you in applying for your free bus pass and reduced-cost railcards.
Additional information
bemix are rated as Good by Ofsted with 'Outstanding' in Behaviour and Attitudes and 'Outstanding' in Personal Development!
A New Chapter for Duncan at Lenny’s of Rochester
We love sharing brilliant news! – Duncan has been offered a paid job at Lenny’s of Rochester.
Duncan began his journey with bemix on our Preparation for Employment programme and progressed onto a Supported Internship in November 2024. Over the past two years, his confidence and skills have grown, and his dedication has truly paid off.
During his internship at Lenny’s - a much-loved local patisserie and bakery - Duncan impressed the team with his excellent customer service, friendly attitude, and hard work. He mastered using the tills, supported with housekeeping and brought positive energy to his role. Duncan’s smile quickly became a favourite with both staff and customers!
Thanks to his brilliant work ethic and the supportive environment at Lenny’s, Duncan has now been offered a permanent paid role.
“It is really wonderful and exactly what I wanted to do. The team are really supportive and kind.” – Duncan
Naomi, the owner of Lenny’s, recognised Duncan’s potential from the very first interview and has been an incredibly supportive employer throughout.
“Duncan came to an interview with his support worker and truly blew me away from the first time I met him. I knew he would be fantastic... Duncan has slotted into our team like a dream. The support Duncan and ourselves have received from bemix has been exceptional, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use these services again or recommend them.” – Naomi Austen, Lenny’s of Rochester owner
Duncan’s journey is a great example of what can happen when young people are given the right support and opportunities to follow their passions. Lenny’s of Rochester has played a huge part in helping Duncan thrive, and we’re so grateful for the welcoming, inclusive workplace they’ve created.
Congratulations, Duncan! We know you’ll continue to do a fantastic job and be a valued part of the team.
Shelby gains paid employment with Sleepeezee
Shelby began a Supported Internship with Sleepeezee in November 2024 and, in just a few months, has shown incredible dedication and growth. Her commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed – not only has she expanded her skills and confidence, but she has also increased her working hours to match the regular shift pattern at Sleepeezee, now working more than 30 hours a week.
As part of the Divan and Headboards team, Shelby has taken on new tasks, including cutting fabrics, making wings for headboards, and keeping button supplies stocked. Her can-do attitude and willingness to take on responsibility have impressed everyone around her.
Now, from 1st April 2025, Shelby is officially a paid employee at Sleepeezee!
"I am happy that bemix found me and placement and I'm happy that Sleepeezee has given me a chance!"
Sarah Foster-Mason, HR Manager at Sleepeezee, shared:
“My first encounter with bemix was when I attended a Supported Internships event organised by Medway Council in February 2024. If I’m being honest, it was primarily out of curiosity. My initial reaction that morning as I listened to the speakers from both bemix and F2E was…it will never work in the Sleepeezee environment. I worried about the fast-paced nature of the factory and whether we would be able to give the young person(s) due attention. Then I heard the success stories from similar industries, and I am pleased to say that I’m glad I got talking to Sharon Duckworth from bemix and invited her to visit our factory in Rochester. The rest (as the saying goes) is history! Sharon and the team expertly addressed all my concerns, and with on-site support from Sophie, we are very proud to now have Shelby as a confirmed member of the Sleepeezee family! Welcome aboard, Shelby, and we look forward to your continued progress and development. Thank you, bemix and here’s to a continued partnership!”
Andy Swain, Senior Supervisor – Divan & Headboards at Sleepeezee, also shared:
“Shelby has adapted very well. I have been very impressed in the way that she’s tried to tackle every task that we assign to her. She’s come up leaps and bounds…no longer the shy Shelby we first met!! We are happy to have her on board and part of our team.”
And Shelby’s dad shared:
“Both Sophie (Shelby’s Supported Employment Specialist from bemix), bemix and Sleepeezee working together with Shelby, finding her weaknesses and strengths which has given her confidence in being able to work in such a working environment with a lot of people working around her. Without this internship and support Shelby would have struggled a lot more than she did.”
Shelby’s story shows the real impact of Supported Internships and the power of believing in someone’s potential. We’re so pleased to share this exciting update and wish her all the best as she continues to thrive in her new paid role!
From Portering to Parking: Joe’s Hands-On Work Placement
Joe is gaining confidence and skills in his Supported Internship with bemix and DFN Project Search, gaining real-world experience with Sodexo, and the University of Greenwich at Medway Campus. Through this programme, young people gain valuable workplace experience, developing skills and confidence, and are supported every step of the way.
Initially working with the porter team, Joe has now taken on an exciting new role as a security and parking attendant, working alongside Doug – or as Joe respectfully calls him, Dougy!
Joe has embraced the parking attendant role, enjoying the responsibility of monitoring vehicles on the site. His keen observation skills have helped him keep track of parking times, and with support from Doug, he has even issued his first warning to a driver whose parking was about to expire. He quickly understood the importance of issuing warnings first, showing great awareness of the role’s responsibilities.
The team at Sodexo, based at Medway Campus, have been incredibly supportive, ensuring that young people are given every opportunity to develop their skills in a real working environment. Their dedication makes a huge difference in helping people gain hands-on experience and grow in confidence.
“This job is good. It’s a job where you need to be aware of risks and be prepared for potentially confrontational people. I enjoy going out, working, and walking around the site. I really enjoy working with the team. They have been really supportive of me.” – Joe
“Joe is a fantastic young man. He is excited and engaged when it comes to the parking attendant role. He gets on with absolutely everyone he meets and always shakes their hands. He never fails to make people smile.” – Doug
With each step in his placement, Joe is proving how valuable real-world experience can be. His enthusiasm, dedication, and positivity are making a real impact, and it’s exciting to see where his journey will take him next!