Supported internships

What is a supported internship?

Supported internships are structured, work-based courses. You will be supported to complete a work placement by an expert job coach.

You will be registered with a college or other learning provider but you will spend most of your time (usually around 70%) in a workplace.

The aim of a supported internship is for you to move on into a paid job at the end of the course.

You can find an easy read guide about supported internships on the National Development Team for Inclusion’s website - What-are-Supported-Internships-Easy-Read.pdf (ndti.org.uk)

Who are they for?

They are for young people aged 16-24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You do not need to have qualifications to get onto the course.

Why are supported internships a good idea?

Supported internships will help you to develop skills that will make it easier to find a job. The placement will help build your confidence in your own abilities as an employee and will show employers how valuable you are in the workplace.

Do I need any qualifications to apply for a supported internship?

No. There are no entry requirements.

Who will support me?

You will have a work coach, put in place by your college. Your job coach will be there to support you as much as you need – you will need less support as the internship goes on and you get used to your job.

Will I be studying as well?

Yes, you will spend some of your time on a study programme that is designed just for you by the college. It will give you chance to work on your English and Maths and to work towards any qualifications that would be suitable for you.

How do I apply?

Applications are done through SENMAS. You can talk about Supported Internships at your Annual Review.

Will I get paid?

No. Supported internships are not paid placements. You will be classed as a full-time student so you will not be able to claim unemployment benefits.

How long does the course last?

Supported internships last between 6 months and a year. There are no completion requirements so there is no sort of test that you have to pass at the end. Your placement will run in term time so you won’t work in school holidays.

How can I hear from young people who have completed supported internships?

In these videos you can hear what other young people think about being a supported intern

What is the government guidance about Supported Internships?

There is information from the government here: Supported internships - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What supported internship courses are available in Stoke-on-Trent?

Abbey Hill College

  • What placements are offered?  Individualised placements to match the student's aspirations
  • How long does the internship last?  1 academic year (September to July)
  • What are the entry requirements?  A student who wants to gain employment by the end of the programme. Students must have a current EHCP and be no older than 18.
  • How do I apply?  By consultation with SENMAS
  • Who should I contact to find out more?  Jayne Waller, College Lead - jwaller@abbeyhill.sbmat.org / Josh Moss, Transition Manager (Careers) - jmoss@abbeyhill.sbmat.org

Mencap

  • What placements are offered?  DFN Supported Internship at MOD Stafford, or Lichfield Supported Internship programme if a young person is confident to travel.
  • How long does the internship last?  September to the end of July. 1 academic year.
  • What are the entry requirements?  age 17 to 24 with an EHCP with a motivation to want to develop employability skills including professional behaviours towards finding paid employment and to have no desire to return to education.
  • How do I apply?  Via a referral form on Mencap website https://www.mencap.org.uk/help-and-advice/mencap-training-academy or email sarah.fletcher@mencap.org.uk
  • Who should I contact to find out more? - sarah.fletcher@mencap.org.uk or visit Mencap’s website https://www.mencap.org.uk/help-and-advice/mencap-training-academy

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group

  • What placements are offered?  Retail, warehousing, landscaping/ grounds maintenance, catering and hospitality, childcare, community / social based, estates / cleaning
  • How long does the internship last?  One academic year (September –June) Usually 2 days in placement and one day in college each week
  • What are the entry requirements?  Flexible. Must show enthusiasm towards wanting to work, willingness and ability to travel to placements. All candidates will be interviewed prior to being offered a place. Students often join the programme after completing a preparation year at NSCG first.  If you would like to discuss entry requirements further, please contact Clare Dyson.
  • How do I apply?  Contact Clare Dyson at NSCG
  • Who should I contact to find out more?  Clare Dyson 01782 254372

Newfriars College

  • What placements are offered?

    • 'Retail Ready’ with Tesco

      • Interns have the option to complete placements in various departments including online shopping, clothing and merchandising, fresh fruit and vegetables and the bakery.

    • 'Project SEARCH UHNM’ at Royal Stoke University Hospital

      • Interns have the option to complete placements in various roles including: receptionist, ward assistant, catering assisting, domestic, gardener, maintenance assistant, clinic assistance, porter, warehouse assistance

    • Stoke-on-Trent City Council

      • Interns will learn essential employability skills and be able to work in multiple council departments in business and administration.
      • There will be opportunities to work in Leisure Services in roles including: receptionist, food and beverage assistant and leisure centre attendant

Pinc College

  • What placements are offered?  All placements are in the creative and cultural sectors, with lots of exciting opportunities. Some examples of placements are Illustration, Arts retail, Museum Visitor Experience, Sign writing, Social media assistant. 
  • How long does the internship last?  One college year
  • What are the entry requirements? Students must have an EHCP. An interest in art and creativity. Motivated to move into paid work.
  • How do I apply?  Please apply online. https://pinccollege.co.uk/enquiry-form/
  • Who should I contact to find out more? 

Strathmore College

  • What placements are offered?  Supported internships are found on an individual basis.
  • How long does the internship last?  Up to 38 weeks.
  • What are the entry requirements?  Have successfully maintained a work experience and have a clear understanding of work options.
  • How do I apply?  Apply to the college.
  • Who should I contact to find out more?  Contact Stacey Slater in the main office: StrathmoreCollege@AsprisCS.co.uk 

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Related documents - Supported internships and apprenticeships

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