Supported Internships
What is a Supported Internship?
A Supported Internship is a 1-year work-based study programme for 16-24 year olds who are aiming to go into paid employment in the future. These study programmes aim to help young people with EHC plans to achieve paid employment by providing them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.
In Cumberland there are several education providers who will work with young people to develop programmes that meet their needs in working toward a job they enjoy doing. A Supported Internship is just like attending any other college course, except it is more work and employment-based, so whilst on a Supported Internship any other benefits or financial arrangements the young person and family receive will be unaffected.
Cumberland Council and the education providers we work alongside are committed to increasing the quality and variety of Supported Internships available in our area, so that more of our young people can experience the positive outcomes of these education programmes.
Check out our Supported Interns in action!
What’s involved in a supported internship?
A Supported Internship will contribute to long-term career goal, making sure the young person’s abilities, strengths, and goals are considered. Alongside time spent in work placement with the employer, Interns will complete a personalised study programme delivered by the learning provider. This may include the chance to study for relevant qualifications, if appropriate, and English and Maths at an appropriate level where required.
Interns will be supported in the work placement by the learning provider, a workplace mentor, and if required, a trained job coach may be put in place by the education provider.
The education provider, and job coach if in place, will work with the employer, increasing their confidence in supporting and employing individuals with additional needs, helping them to create a comfortable working environment, and to grow a diverse workforce.
What are the aims of a Supported Internship?
The aim of a Supported Internship is to support young people toward gaining steady employment by:
- Developing the skills most valued by employers
- Enabling Interns to demonstrate their value in the workplace
- Developing relationships in the workplace
- Developing confidence in own abilities to perform successfully at work
- Enabling Interns to move on to sustained employment
- Helping young people develop pathways into a fulfilled adult life
How is a Supported Internship funded?
Supported Internships are fully funded in a similar way to any other full time college course. Since 2022, the Supported Internship programme is delivered in partnership with NDTI, BASE and Project Search.
In addition, Interns may be eligible for Access to Work funding to help travelling to and participating in the Supported Internship. The learning provider will support with any applications to Access to Work.
The support each Intern will get will depend on individual needs but could include a grant to help pay towards practical support with the work placement, including funding for a job coach.
How do young people apply for a Supported Internship?
Young people can apply for supported internships through their local college, or education provide. A range of Cumberland providers who are offering Supported Internships are listed below.
What happens after a Supported Internship?
The aim of a Supported Internship is to allow the Intern to experience the world of work and to prepare to apply for and to work in a job that they enjoy doing. The learning provider will support the Intern toward their next steps on this journey.
Interns could apply for a job at the same workplace that they attended during their Supported Internship or could look for a job with a different employer using the skills and experience gained.
Interns can also carry on training in the workplace by completing an apprenticeship with appropriate support – this is an ideal next step on their career journey as they will continue to receive the support of the apprenticeship provider.
Graduating from any supported internship programme in the county will mark the end of the young person’s education journey with the desired outcome to be ready to move into work.
Education providers offering Supported Internships in Cumberland: