Supported internships

The supported internship is a one-year structured study programme. Interns enrol at a learning provider, for example a further education college.

Usually, the college they study with makes an application for Access to Work funding. This pays for support from a job coach for the young person in the workplace.

Interns spend about 70% of their learning time in the workplace. Placements are normally at least 20 hours per week and last between 6 months and an academic year. Experienced job coaches, working in partnership with the employer, provide on-the-job support for the intern.

Interns receive support with English and Maths through interesting activities that are relevant to the workplace. They study during the working week and get help with the skills they need.

You can see films about supported interns from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) in their spotlight on supported internships.

There are some key things that  prepare a young person for a supported internship. Annual reviews should include discussion of these from  year 9 onwards. This helps the young person plan to reach their goals.

Work experience

There are no entry requirements for a supported internship, only the motivation to work. However, young people can gain knowledge of areas of interest, strengths and skills through work experience. This helps them find the best supported internship work placement.

Vocational profile

Complete a vocational profile. This explores:

• interests and skills
• past work experience
• past school information
• increasing independence with travel training
• areas of need for support

Look at the supported internship courses that these colleges offer:

• Northbrook College
• Woodlands Meed College
• The SAND Project
• Team Domenica (Brighton and Hove)
• Plumpton College (Lewes)
• Havant and South Downs College (Hampshire)

The young person may get a job with the employer from their placement.

Find information about how they might have more money and a better quality of life in employment. See the NDTi guide Better off in Work. Getting paid employment after a supported internship may affect benefits. If you have any concerns or queries, you can:

• get advice by booking an appointment at your local Jobcentre Plus
• view benefits calculators on GOV.UK

You can also get impartial information from the Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS).

If the young person doesn’t get a job with their placement employer at the end of the  supported internship, they can:

• get support with job searches and signposting to other opportunities
• speak with other services who can support working towards employment - see our information pages about:
  • support from Jobcentre Plus
  • local services for supported employment

EHCPs after a supported internship

Once the young person gets a paid job, their EHCP stays in place for up to one year. This ensures that they:

• settle into their workplace
• do not require further vocational support from the EHCP

If they don’t get a job after their supported internship but their work towards employment includes education, their EHCP will remain in place to help.