Supported Internships
Many young people with additional needs want to work. But it can be hard to get a job. And more so, for those with more complex needs.
If you are 16 to 24 and have an Education Health and Care Plan, you may be able to do a study programme that will help you:
- get a job
- live independently
- get qualifications if needed, and;
- help you with maths and English
A Supported Internship is a structured, work-based study programme.They are not paid but the main aim is to help you get paid work.
Programmes last from 6 months up to 1 year.
If you do a Supported Internship you are in full-time education. However, you spend most of your time in a work placement. You will be there about 70% of the time. You'll spend a smaller amount of time at college.
A Supported Internship helps you:
- get work experience
- gain useful work skills
- build your confidence
- become independent
If you are a practical learner it could be a good choice.
Work placement
During your time as a supported intern, you may:
- have one or more work placements, or;
- might do a number of roles with one employer
Depending on your work placement, you may need to work:
- during holidays
- in the evenings
- at weekends
Supported Internships can be done in different areas including:
- retail
- catering
- hospitality
- childcare
- horticulture
- healthcare
- hair and beauty
The colleges mentioned below can tell you about local opportunities.
Support from a job coach
You will be helped in the work placement by a trained job coach. They will help you learn the skills needed. You will need less help from your job coach as you:
- get more skills
- become more independent at work
You will have termly reviews with your job coach and employer. This is to make sure things are going well.
Personalised study programme
As well as your work placement, you will do a study programme at college. You will be able to do relevant qualifications, if appropriate. And you can do English and maths at a suitable level.
You will also learn practical work and life skills. You might also do community work as part of your programme. This could be something like volunteering at a food bank or gardening.
What do I need to get a supported internship?
You can apply for a Supported Internship if you:
- are 16 to 24 years old
- have an Education Health and Care Plan
- want paid work
- have a good work ethic
- have had good attendance and commitment at school or college
- are able to travel independently or can do travel training
Supported Internships are usually the last step in your education journey. Most people start at 18 or 19 after other educational courses (like a Pathway programme). But it is possible to start at 16 depending on the situation.
Where are Supported Internships offered?
Supported Internships can be done through South Essex College (at the Southend City Centre Campus) or USP College (at the Canvey Island campus).
Supported Internships at South Essex College.
Supported Internships at USP College
What will I get at the end of a Supported Internship?
The main goal of a Supported Internship is for you to get paid employment.
You may want to move onto an Apprenticeship if you have the right qualifications.
As part of the Supported Internship programme you may get:
- Functional Skills qualifications or GCSE's
- a Personal Social Development qualification
- an employability qualification
Who can I speak to about Supported Internships and other work and training options?
Your annual reviews from year 9 will include discussions about:
- your wishes for employment, education or training from the age of 16
As soon as you think you might want a Supported Internship, talk to those who help you.
You can find out more from:
- the Preparing for Adulthood team at Southend-on-Sea Council. You can contact the team on 01702 215246 or by email at SENTeam@southend.gov.uk. You can also contact your Local Authority EHCP Co-ordinator directly
- Learning Support Teams at South Essex College or USP College, or your school SENCO
- your social worker or transition worker if you have one
Further information about supported internships
Easy read guide for young people about Supported Internships
Internships Work resources from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)
Department for Education grant
As part of the national Internships Work programme, Southend-on-Sea City Council has been given a grant from the Department for Education to develop our SEND employment forum and increase the number of Supported Internships in our area.
Local employers and supported internships
If you are an organisation based in Southend-on-Sea and are interested in providing a work placement for a supported intern, please contact South Essex College or USP College.
The Southend-on-Sea City Council Preparing for Adulthood Team ran a SEND Business Enterprise Event on 14 February 2024 about Supported Internships. This was an opportunity for businesses and organisations in Southend-on-Sea to learn more about Supported Internships.
Local businesses and organisations attended, as well as representatives from the Supported Internship teams at local colleges. Attendees learnt more about:
- the structure and purpose of the course
- the benefits of working with a supported intern
Great feedback was received, as well as interest from local businesses and organisations who want to get involved.
The Preparing for Adulthood Team wants to:
- continue to promote Supported Internships
- expand our network
- encourage more people to take part