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Supported Internships for young people with an EHCP

A Supported Internship is a study programme that helps young people with SEND gain the skills, confidence and experience needed for employment.

Supported Internships are mainly based in the workplace and combine practical work experience with support to develop employability, English, maths and independent living skills. Interns are supported by trained staff and job coaches to help them succeed in the workplace.

Supported Internships are usually aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move into paid employment.

Supported internships are typically the final step in a young person's educational journey. On completion, the focus is on progressing into employment wherever possible, or into volunteering opportunities that can help build skills, confidence and experience if paid work is not currently accessible.

You can learn more about Hampshire's Supported Internship programme on the Hampshire County Council website: Supported Internship programme

A supported internship can help young people to:

  • Gain real work experience in a supported environment
  • Develop practical skills for employment
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Improve communication and workplace skills
  • Learn to travel independently
  • Make connections with employers
  • Increase their chances of moving into paid work after the programme

Many young people who complete a supported internship go on to secure paid employment, demonstrating the positive impact these programmes can have on future career opportunities.

A supported internship can help young people to:

  • Gain real work experience in a supported environment
  • Develop practical skills for employment
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Improve communication and workplace skills
  • Learn to travel independently
  • Make connections with employers
  • Increase their chances of moving into paid work after the programme

Many young people who complete a supported internship go on to secure paid employment, demonstrating the positive impact these programmes can have on future career opportunities.

Supported internships are designed for young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan who are motivated to develop their skills, increase their independence, and move towards paid employment.

A supported internship might be right for your child if they:

  • Are aged 16 to 24 and have an EHC plan
  • Want to find paid work in the future
  • Learn best through practical, hands-on experience
  • Would benefit from support to develop workplace skills and confidence
  • Are ready to spend most of their time in a work setting
  • Want to become more independent, including learning travel and communication skills

Every young person is different, and there is no single pathway into employment. Colleges and training providers can help you and your child explore whether a supported internship matches their interests, strengths, and future goals.

Questions to Consider

You may want to ask:

  • Does my child enjoy practical, hands-on learning?
  • Are they interested in gaining work experience?
  • What type of work would they like to try?
  • How much support will they need in the workplace?
  • What opportunities are available locally?
  • What happens after the internship ends?

The aim of a supported internship is to help young people gain the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move towards paid employment and greater independence.

Supported internships are designed for young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan who are motivated to develop their skills, increase their independence, and move towards paid employment.

A supported internship might be right for your child if they:

  • Are aged 16 to 24 and have an EHC plan
  • Want to find paid work in the future
  • Learn best through practical, hands-on experience
  • Would benefit from support to develop workplace skills and confidence
  • Are ready to spend most of their time in a work setting
  • Want to become more independent, including learning travel and communication skills

Every young person is different, and there is no single pathway into employment. Colleges and training providers can help you and your child explore whether a supported internship matches their interests, strengths, and future goals.

Questions to Consider

You may want to ask:

  • Does my child enjoy practical, hands-on learning?
  • Are they interested in gaining work experience?
  • What type of work would they like to try?
  • How much support will they need in the workplace?
  • What opportunities are available locally?
  • What happens after the internship ends?

The aim of a supported internship is to help young people gain the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move towards paid employment and greater independence.

Watch the video to hear from an employer who has Supported Internships working for them and from the interns themselves:

 

Watch the video to hear from an employer who has Supported Internships working for them and from the interns themselves:

 

Watch the video to hear from the manager of a hotel and their intern Lottie. 

 

Watch the video to hear from the manager of a hotel and their intern Lottie.