Supported Employment and Internships

If you are looking to make a positive impact on both your business and the lives of young people, supported employment and internships are a powerful way to achieve just that.

What are Supported Internships?

Supported Internships are structured work-based learning programmes designed for young people with disabilities or learning difficulties. They are open to young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan or a statement of special educational needs. Individuals are motivated to work and benefit from additional support in a workplace setting.

Supported Internships provide valuable opportunities for individuals with real-world work experience within a supportive environment, allowing them to develop essential skills and gain confidence in a workplace setting.

Meet Ollie who is working at Cornwall Countryside Supplies:

What is Supported Employment?

Supported employment helps people with significant disabilities to secure and remain in paid employment. It is a way of enabling people who need additional assistance to obtain and develop their careers in real jobs, so that they can enjoy the social and economic benefits of employment.

Support is provided on an individual basis to both employer and employee for as long as it is required.

Supported employment is paid work, and the employee will have the same terms and conditions as all other employees.

How Supported Internships work

Supported Internships offer a blend of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning. Participants (interns) work alongside experienced staff in a genuine work environment. They receive tailored support from job coaches and mentors to help them learn and contribute effectively.

Interns are unpaid whilst on the programme.  The programme lasts for a minimum of six months up to a year.  The aim is to support the young person into paid employment. The intern’s role should meet a genuine business need for the employer and add value to their business.

Benefits for Individuals

Skill Development: Interns acquire practical skills and gain valuable work experience, making them more employable.

Increased Confidence: Building confidence in a real work environment enhances self-belief and independence.

Smooths Transition to Employment: Supported Internships prepare individuals for future employment, increasing their chances of securing a job.

In work support: Ongoing tailored support is provided to the individual.

Visit our SEND Showcase page

Read the new Open Doors Magazine, created by young people with Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities for inclusive employers in Cornwall

Did You Know?

Nationally only 4.9 per cent of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment (BASE 2021). Compared with over 80% of their peers.

A survey conducted by Mencap in 2018 revealed that at least 65 per cent of people interviewed with a learning disability said they would like to be in paid work.

Work provides opportunities for people with disabilities to be part of the community, to build relationship and be less lonely. These connections can be linked with a longer healthier life.

Benefits for Employers

Access a diverse pool of motivated and capable individuals, enriching your workforce.
Inclusive employment fosters a positive public image for businesses.
Interns make valuable contributions while gaining valuable skills, so it's mutually beneficial.
Employers are matched based on participant preferences e.g., what each person enjoys and their personal goals, strengths and needs.

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