Supported Internships

What are Supported Internships?

• Supported Internships are a government scheme to help businesses and education providers combine to prepare those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (often referred to as having SEND – Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) for work.
• The key feature of a Supported Internship programme is that while students are based with an education training provider they participate in an extended work placement at an employer’s premises.
• The aim of the work placement is to enable the young person to further develop the skills needed so that they are suitable for paid employment after.
• The young person attends the placement supported by a trained job coach, who provides the expert link to work with them and the employer.

Why Supported Internships are good for your business?

Many businesses are keen to promote the benefits of working with the Supported Internship young people.

Find out ‘What Businesses Say’ about Supported Internships.

• It is a structured training programme with no cost to the business to get young people with SEND ready for employment.
• They are an effective way to recruit in areas where there may be difficulties filling gaps. Help to reduce high turnover and recruitment expense as young people with SEND usually remain in jobs a long time, aiding retention.
• There is full support from the training provider during the extended placement to develop the young person’s suitability for the role.Job coaches can provide other training and advice for the development of the existing work force.
• Existing employees gain Disability Awareness, which in turn promotes confidence and attracts disabled customers.There are potential development opportunities for existing staff as they can become ‘mentors’ to the interns who join the business.
• Often these young people have skills that diversify and strengthen the workforce.
• Young people with learning difficulties can bring specific insights and skills through their neurodiversity, making valuable employees. These might include, for example, the ability to remain focused on repetitive tasks or have an eye for specific detail. 
• They bring huge amounts of motivation, enjoyment, and pride to their work, which can inspire others.
• Attendance is typically above average as they have a strong sense of reliability.
• Taking interns adds to the inclusion credentials of the company and the values and practice of the workplace.
• Supported interns working in the business add to the community and social value contribution of the company, raising the profile and publicity opportunities.

Are you interested in diversifying your workforce, growing your business and giving a young person a great start? Read about how the Supported Internships work in practice  and get in touch using the form below to explore how supported internship can benefit your business.