Supported Internships: Unlocking Employment Opportunities

Supported internships are structured, work-based study programmes designed for 16- to 24-year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. These internships aim to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need for sustained, paid employment, all while providing tailored support through job coaches and education providers.

Aims of Supported Internships

Supported internships aim to:

• Develop skills valued by employers

• Showcase the intern's value in the workplace

• Build confidence in their abilities to succeed in employment

Success is measured by a transition to sustained, paid employment, empowering young people with financial independence and greater well-being.

Information for Employers

The structured study programme includes on-the-job training with a local employer, supported by expert job coaches, an employability programme looking at the soft skills of employment, vocational profiling to identify a student’s skills and qualities and the chance to study for relevant qualifications, where appropriate.

Job coaches provide support to employers, increasing their confidence of working with young people and helping them to understand the business case of employing a diverse workforce.

The support given to both the intern and employer, by a job coach, is fully funded by Access to Work - a Department for Work and Pensions grant.

Access to Work factsheet for employers

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a supported internship, applicants must:

• Be aged between 16 and 24

• Have a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) plan

• Be working at Entry Level 1 to Level 2 in English and Maths Functional Skills

• Be independent travellers or willing to train for travel with support

• Demonstrate a desire for employment and some prior work experience

Key Providers in Buckinghamshire

Check on UCAS how to find Supported Internships providers in other counties

Case Studies

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Contact providers directly: You can find their contact details via the links provided above

2. EHC Plan Coordination: Name your preferred education provider during the Annual Review Meeting

3. Skills Assessment: Shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in an assessment day with successful candidates starting the programme.

For further information and answers to common questions about supported internships, check out the Spotlight on Supported Internships Q&A.

Support Available

Supported internships offer comprehensive support to help young people succeed:

• Travel and Transport: Independent travel training to develop confidence and independence

• Access to Work: A grant scheme from DWP to fund practical workplace support

• 16 to 19 Bursary Fund: Financial assistance for education-related costs, such as meals, travel, and equipment.

Learning providers can access practical guidance through the Provider Access Legislation Toolkit.

Why Choose Supported Internships?

Supported internships give young people the chance to:

• Gain valuable work experience

• Build life skills like independence and teamwork

• Transition into paid employment with confidence and resilience

For learning providers and employers, offering supported internships promotes equality and diversity while meeting local community needs.

Ready to unlock your potential? Start your journey by contacting your preferred provider today!

Supported Internships Pilot for Students Without an EHCP

In addition to programmes for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a pilot initiative is underway to explore supported internships for students without EHCPs. This aims to expand access to work-based learning opportunities for a broader range of young people.

For more details, read the Parliamentary Written Question Response.