Supported Internships - everything you need to know

A Supported Internship is designed for young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It is a study programme that helps them prepare for employment by developing their skills, confidence and workplace experience so they are ready for paid work.

The college, employer and a job coach work closely together to provide support around the young person. The job coach meets regularly with the young person, the employer and the college to review progress. As a parent or carer, you are welcome to join these meetings if you have any concerns or would like to be involved.

Is there a cost for completing a Supported Internship?

No. Supported Internships are fully funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), part of the Department for Education. Colleges also work in partnership with the local authority's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team.

How will my young person get to their work placement?

Young people are expected to travel independently to their placement. However, support is available:

• they may be able to apply for Access to Work funding for travel training on public transport
• the college can help plan journeys and offer guidance
• the local authority may also provide travel training

What is Access to Work funding?

Access to Work is a government grant from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides practical support to help disabled people work independently.

It can fund things such as British Sign Language interpreters, specialist or adapted equipment, assistive technology (for example magnifiers and screen readers), disability awareness training for employers and job coach support.

Find out more about Access to Work funding.

How are work placements found?

Colleges and the local authority work with a wide network of local employers to source suitable placements. They take into account the young person's interests, strengths, hobbies and career goals to match them to the most appropriate placement.

What if my young person doesn't like their placement?

If the placement isn't the right fit, the young person should speak to their job coach who will work with them to identify and arrange an alternative placement.

What happens at the end of a Supported Internship?

The aim of a Supported Internship is to help young people progress into paid employment. However, pathways vary including:

• many young people move into work or an apprenticeship
• some may progress to university, if they already hold the required academic qualifications
• others may choose to volunteer

Once a young person completes their Supported Internship, their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will usually end, as they are no longer in education, unless they move on to an apprenticeship.