Young People / Parents / Carers
What is a Supported Internship?
- A Supported Internship is a study programme designed to help young people with additional needs to prepare for employment.
- Supported Internships are unpaid because they form part of an educational study programme linked to a participating school or college.
- The purpose of the programme is to help young people gain the valuable skills, experience, and confidence needed to move into paid employment after completing their internship.
You can apply for a Supported Internship if you...
· Are aged 16 to 24
· Have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
· Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
· Are motivated to attend a supported work environment and develop your skills for employment
What happens on a supported internship?
- Interns spend most of their time in a real workplace
- Gain practical job skills and experience
- Work towards developing independence and confidence, including independent travel training
- Interns receive support to help them succeed in the workplace
- In Leicester, the Supported Internships last an academic year. Some are 5 days and others 3 days
What support is available?
- A job coach from the college provides tailored support in the workplace, helping interns learn tasks, develop confidence, and become more independent.
- Interns are supported by employer mentors in their work placements.
- College job coaches / tutors support learning and personal development alongside the work placement.
- Job coaches support applications / interviews for paid employment and work with other agencies.
- As interns gain skills and confidence, support is gradually reduced to encourage greater independence.
