Supported Internships 

What is a Supported Internship?

A Supported Internship is a 1-year work based study programme for 16-24 year olds who aspire to paid work. These study programmes enable young people with EHC plans to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.

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Within Northumberland, there are several education providers who will work with young people to develop personalised programmes that meet their needs in working toward a job they enjoy doing. A Supported Internship is just like attending any other college course, except it is based at the place of work, so whilst on a Supported Internship any other benefits or financial arrangements the young person and family receive will be unaffected.

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Northumberland County Council and the education providers we work alongside are heavily committed to increasing the quality and variety of Supported Internships available in Northumberland, so that more of our young people can experience the positive and often life changing outcomes of these education programmes.

 

What’s involved in a supported internship?

A Supported Internship will contribute to long-term career goals and match the Interns capabilities and aspirations. Alongside time spent in work placement with the employer, Interns will complete a personalised study programme delivered by the learning provider, which includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications, if appropriate, and English and Maths at an appropriate level where required.

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A core offer of a Supported Internship is a substantial work placement in a sector (or sectors) of interest to the individual learner. This could be anywhere within the county or outside should it be an appropriate and agreed match. Interns will be supported in the work placement by the learning provider, a workplace mentor, and if required, a trained job coach may be put in place by the education provider.

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Job coaches provide in-work support that tapers off, if appropriate, as Interns become familiar with their role and become more confident in doing it independently under the supervision of their workplace mentor.

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The education provider, and job coach if in place, will work with the employer, increasing their confidence in supporting and employing individuals with additional needs, helping them to create a comfortable working environment, and to grow a diverse workforce.

 

What are the aims of a Supported Internship?

The aim of a Supported Internship is to support young people toward gaining sustainable employment by:

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• Developing the skills most valued by employers

• Enabling Interns to demonstrate their value in the workplace

• Developing relationships in the workplace

• Developing confidence in own abilities to perform successfully at work

• Enabling Interns to move on to sustained employment

• Helping young people develop pathways into a fulfilled adult life

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How is a Supported Internship funded?

Supported Internships are fully funded in a similar way to any other full time college course.

In addition, Interns may be eligible for Access to Work funding to help travelling to and participating in the Supported Internship. The learning provider will support with any applications to Access to Work.

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The support each Intern will get will depend on individual needs but could include a grant to help pay towards practical support with the work placement, including funding for a job coach.

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How do young people apply for a Supported Internship?

Young people can apply for supported internships through their local college, education provider or their local NCC careers advisor. A range of Northumberland providers who are offering Supported Internships are listed below.

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What happens after a Supported Internship?

The aim of a Supported Internship is to allow the Intern to experience the world of work and to prepare to apply for and to work in a job that they enjoy doing. The learning provider will support the Intern toward their next steps on this journey.

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Interns could apply for a job at the same workplace that they attended during their Supported Internship or could look for a job with a different employer using the skills and experience gained.

Interns can also carry on training in the workplace by completing an apprenticeship with appropriate support – this is an ideal next step on their career journey as they will continue to receive the support of the apprenticeship provider.

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Graduating from any supported internship programme in the county will mark the end of the young person’s education journey with the desired outcome to be ready to move into work. Graduates will be contacted by the NCC SEND team with EHC cessation notice as well as ensuring any requirements for further support/signposting are offered if required.