What’s is a supported internship?
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16- to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an EHCP (What is an EHCP Local Offer page). The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, supported by a job coach.
Supported interns are enrolled and supported by a learning provider, for example, a school or college, but spend most of their learning time – typically around 70% – in a workplace.
The internships provide the opportunity for young people to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.
Supported interns are in full-time education and their supported internship work placements are part of their course.
Supported internships last for a minimum of 6 months, and up to a year.
Aims of a supported internship
The aim of supported internships is to support young people with EHCP's to gain paid employment by:
- supporting them to develop the skills valued by employers
- enabling them to demonstrate their value in the workplace
- developing confidence in their own abilities to perform successfully at work
The measure of success of a supported internship is when a young person gets a paid job at the end of the internship.
Difference between a supported internship and an apprenticeship
Supported internships are work-based study programmes that aim to support young people into employment.
Apprenticeships are paid jobs that include off-the-job training.
Supported internships are specifically for young people with an EHCP. They will have a job coach to support them in their workplace learning.
There are no entry or completion requirements for supported internships.
How to apply for a supported internship?
In Kirklees, you can speak with C+K Careers about what supported internships are available.
C&K Careers website (opens link in new window)
The main supported internship programme in Kirklees is called Project SEARCH.
You can find links to this and other supported internship programs at the bottom of the page.
