Education, employment and training

Supported Internships are unpaid study programmes designed for young people aged 16–24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They are a helpful pathway for young people who want to move into paid employment but need extra support to get there.

A Supported Internship gives your young person the chance to learn skills in a real workplace, with the right support around them. It also helps them become more confident and independent, both at work and in everyday life.

What Supported Internships include

• Spending most of the week in a real workplace
  Your young person will work with an employer for several days each week. This helps them learn what a real job is like and practise the tasks they need to do.
• Support from a trained job coach
  A job coach works alongside your young person and the employer. They help teach tasks, build routines, and support communication. Over time, the coach steps back as your young person becomes more confident.
• A personalised study programme
  Alongside their work placement, your young person will follow a study programme that matches their needs and goals. This may include life skills, work skills, and practical learning.
• Continuing English and Maths if needed
  If your young person has not yet achieved certain English or Maths qualifications, they can keep learning these subjects in a way that suits their ability and pace.
• A programme lasting 6–12 months
  Most Supported Internships run for at least six months and usually up to one year. This gives enough time to build skills and settle into a routine.
• No exam at the end
  Progress is measured through learning and experience, not through formal tests. The aim is to help your young person move into paid work wherever possible.

Easy Read guide

You can find a simple, picture supported guide explaining Supported Internships here: What-are-Supported-Internships.pdf
supported guide explaining Supported Internships.

Government guidance

Official information from the UK Government about Supported Internships:
Supported internships - GOV.UK

Supported Internship providers in Stoke-on-Trent

Mencap Training Academy

Placements offered:
DFN Project SEARCH at MOD Stafford or Lichfield Supported Internship.
Length:
One academic year (September to July).
Entry requirements:
Age 17–24 with an EHCP; motivated to work; not planning to return to education.
How to apply:
Online form: Mencap Training Academy | Mencap
or email sarah.fletcher@mencap.org.uk
Contact: sarah.fletcher@mencap.org.uk

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG)

Placements offered:
Retail, warehousing, landscaping, catering, hospitality, childcare, community roles, estates, and cleaning.
Length:
One academic year, usually two days in placement and one day in college.
Entry requirements:
Enthusiasm to work; ability to travel; interview required.
Contact: 01782 254372

Newfriars College

Retail Ready:
Placements with Tesco in various departments, followed by extra retail placements.
Project SEARCH UHNM (Hospital):
Roles include reception, ward support, catering, domestic work, portering, gardening and more.
Length:
One academic year.
Entry requirements:
Age 18–24, EHCP, willingness to work, ability to travel independently.
How to apply:
Email helpline@newfriarscollege.org.uk
Applications open in November.
Contact: helpline@newfriarscollege.org.uk

PINC College

Placements offered:
Creative and cultural sectors, such as illustration, arts retail, museums, sign writing, social media, and creative enterprise.
Length:
One academic year.
Entry requirements:
EHCP, interest in creativity, motivation to work.
Apply: https://pinccollege.co.uk/enquiry-form/
Contacts:
tamsin.lunn@pinccollege.ac.uk
connect@pinccollege.ac.uk

Strathmore College

Placements offered:
Found individually to match each student’s goals.
Length:
Up to 38 weeks.
Entry requirements:
EHCP; previous successful work experience; clear work interests.
How to apply:
Apply directly.
Contact: StrathmoreCollege@AsprisCS.co.uk

Stoke-on-Trent College

Placements offered:
ASDA Tunstall, including bakery, clothing, customer service, and online operations.
Length:
September to June.
Entry requirements:
EHCP; strong commitment to gaining paid work; recruitment process required.
Apply: Online or at an open event.
Contact: cgord@stokecoll.ac.uk

Reaseheath College

Placements offered:
Individual placements based on students’ strengths and goals.
Length:
One academic year (September to July).
Entry requirements:
EHCP; previous work experience; desire to work.
Apply: Email hannah.bland@reaseheath.ac.uk
Website: Reaseheath Supported Internships
Note: Priority for internal students; places limited.