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Supported Internships

Develop workplace skills for your future

Supported Internships are work based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

The programme is designed to help you move towards paid employment by providing valuable workplace experience, supported by a dedicated job coach. Through learning in a real work environment, you'll develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in the workplace.

Alongside your work placement, you'll complete a personalised study programme that may include English, maths, employability skills and independent living skills.

Throughout your placement, you'll be supported by a professional Job Coach who will help you learn workplace tasks, build confidence and become part of the workplace team. As your skills and independence grow, this support is gradually reduced, helping you prepare for sustainable employment.

How does a supported internship work?

Interns work for an employer for a minimum of six months to learn the role and tackle the tasks needed to become suitable for paid employment.

During their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes English, maths and employability skills.

Each intern will receive on-site training from a professional job coach who will support the intern to learn the skills required for that workplace or task and encourage them to become involved in support systems such as co-workers.

Support will then be gradually faded as and when the intern achieves independence in the workplace. This is known as the learn, train and fade model.

Supported Internships 1

What are the benefits?

Supported internships will benefit the intern by raising confidence, developing independence & resilience and exposing them to a working environment. They will also gain other life skills such as travelling to and from work if appropriate.

The intern will:

  • Gain invaluable experience and learn new skills in the work place
  • Further develop their English and maths skills
  • Improve their chance of gaining paid employment

How will your job coach help you? 

You will be assigned a job coach who works closely with both interns and employers to ensure you receive the right support throughout your internship.

They will:

  • Match you with a suitable placement based on your interests, skills and career goals
  • Provide on site support and training in the workplace
  • Help you develop workplace skills and confidence
  • Monitor your progress and work with employers to support your development
  • Support you in moving towards paid employment

You will:

  • Gain valuable workplace experience
  • Develop new skills in a real working environment
  • Improve your English and maths skills
  • Build confidence, independence and resilience
  • Increase your chances of securing paid employment
  • Develop skills for everyday life, including travel training where appropriate

For more information on our Supported Internship Programme please contact us directly to discuss your individual needs: supportedinternship@southessex.ac.uk