Preparing for adulthood: careers, jobs and training

If you're 16-24-years-old, have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and want to work, a Supported Internship will provide you with the extra support you need to reach your goal.

Supported internships

A Supported Internship is a one-year study programme at college or school that will help you to get the skills and experience you need to get a job

This will spend up to 12 months in a work placement with an employer. You will also have a personal study programme. This gives you the chance to gain useful skills, which could include English and maths.

A Supported Internship is very similar to a traineeship or apprenticeship; meaning you will be ready to work when you’ve completed the programme. The main difference is that you will be offered a higher level of support than a trainee or apprentice, and this will include workplace support through a job coach.

Requirements

There are no entry or completion requirements for Supported Internships. The aim is simply to prepare you for paid employment by:

  • Supporting you to develop the skills valued by employers
  • Enabling you to show what you can do in the workplace
  • Developing your confidence in your own ability to perform successfully at work
  • The ideal outcome is for you to be offered a paid job from your host employer or another employer.

Outcomes

Other outcomes you may also achieve are:

  • Work experience to add to your CV
  • Changing the perception of employers about people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
  • Changing the perception of your family/friends by showing that you can work
  • Improving your English and maths skills to prepare you for work and independent living
  • Becoming an independent traveller

Case studies

Listen to young people, their families, and the employers involved with Supported Internship programmes:

Case study videos

Find a Supported Internship

Our colleges in Leicestershire offer the Supported Internship study programme where you’ll have the support of a Job Coach and be placed with one of the college’s partner employers. This could be a large organisation or a smaller employer. Your Job Coach will ask where you want to work.

To find out more contact your local college and ask about their Supported Internship programme:

General questions

For general questions please email: supported-internships@leics.gov.uk

Other useful websites