What is a Supported Internship?
A Supported Internship is a personalised study programme for young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who want to work towards paid employment.
The programme is based mainly in the workplace, giving learners the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, knowledge, and independence needed for the world of work.
Every aspect of the programme is designed with one goal in mind: helping learners move into sustainable paid employment.
How Does It Work?
Learners spend up to three days each week in a workplace, supported by an experienced Job Coach.
Before starting, learners complete vocational profiling activities to identify their strengths, interests, aspirations, and support needs. We then carefully match learners to employers and roles that suit their goals.
Alongside their workplace experience, learners continue to develop their English, maths, employability, and independent living skills.
Please note: Supported Internships are unpaid programmes that help learners gain the experience and skills needed to secure paid employment in the future.
Personalised Support Every Step of the Way
Our Job Coaches provide tailored support throughout the programme, helping learners develop confidence and independence in the workplace.
Learners can benefit from:
- One-to-one Job Coach support
- Workplace training and skill development
- Travel training
- CV writing and interview preparation
- Career planning and progression support
- Support with Access to Work funding where appropriate
- Regular reviews with employers
As learners grow in confidence, support is gradually reduced to encourage independence.
The Benefits of a Supported Internship
Supported Internships help learners:
- Build confidence and independence
- Develop workplace and employability skills
- Improve communication and teamwork
- Gain real industry experience
- Travel independently
- Prepare for adulthood and employment
- Work towards their career goals
Learner Success Story
Supported Internships help learners develop valuable workplace skills while building confidence for the future.
The Goal: Sustainable Paid Employment
By the end of the programme, learners will have developed the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to move into paid employment within their chosen career pathway.
Our aim is to help every learner become a confident, valued, and successful member of the workforce.