What is a supported internship
A Supported Internship lasts for up to a year and consists of one or more work placements with one or more employers. As an Intern you will gain valuable experience in the workplace and will be supported by a job coach to help you learn the job role. You will also learn about employability and job search skills in preparation for applying for jobs.
The Supported Internship is unpaid but can and does lead to employment. See the case studies below. At the end of the placement, if there is a vacancy and you meet the criteria, you will be supported to apply.
Who is a supported internship for?
Supported Internships are for young people who really want to work and with additional support from an employer, and support from a job coach, will be ready for work at the end of the programme. You must also have an EHCP. The majority of our Supported Interns are aged between 18-24 years and nearing the end of their educational pathways.
What support will the young people get?
Once you start the Supported Internship programme you will be assigned a job coach who will teach you all the skills needed to be effective in the workplace. The role of the job coach is to help you make the transition from education, into the workplace.
What will be achieved by going on a Supported Internship?
After completing a Supported Internship will know how to apply for a job and will know what is expected of you in the workplace. On completion of a Supported Internship will have gained confidence, improved your self-esteem and feel you have made a big step on your path to independence.
Who can access a Supported Internship programme?
To be accepted onto a Supported Internship programme, you must:
- Have an EHCP
- Want to follow a pathway into employment
- Want to gain the skills to help you become employed
- Will be aged 18-24 years
- Feel comfortable to travel independently or be working towards this