T: 01708 434955 | E: Enquiries-AdultCollege@havering.gov.uk

T: 01708 434955 | E: Enquiries-AdultCollege@havering.gov.uk

SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS

Supported Internships

What are Supported Internships

The National Disability Strategy sets out the actions the government will take to improve the everyday lives of all disabled people. We want all children and young people, no matter what their special educational needs or disability (SEND), to be able to reach their full potential and receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

With the right preparation, the overwhelming majority of young people with SEND are capable of sustainable paid employment. All professionals working with them should share that presumption and provide the career advice and support that help young people to develop the skills and experience that they need to succeed in their careers. However, evidence in post-16 education and labour market activities, pathways and outcomes shows that pupils with SEND are less likely to be in sustained employment 15 years after key stage 4 than their peers.

Supported internships are a great opportunity to improve the life chances of young people with SEND by supporting them into sustained, paid employment. Achieving paid employment not only brings young people financial independence, but it can be key to:

  • building confidence and self-esteem
  • increasing health and well-being
  • gaining friendships and a social life

There are also benefits for the economy, employers, families, the local community and wider society.

 

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-internships-for-young-people-with-learning-difficulties/supported-internships)

What is involved?

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.

To find out more, please CLICK HERE

How are Havering Adult College involved?

Central Government and Local Authorities are actively promoting and encouraging the development of local Supported Internship places and pathways to ensure the range of Pre-Supported Internships, Supported Internships and also Supported Employment opportunities are available to those young people who would benefit from engaging.

Havering Adult College aim to bring together pro-active stakeholders to deliver meaningful opportunities that will afford young people with SEND to be active members of the community.

Havering Adult College and Havering Works will provide where viable, wraparound employability support to young people to develop key skills and build on their learning through the SIP

We will endeavour to facilitate training, information and awareness raising through EHCPs, Family Information Service, as well as online promotions, and with the support of the Local Authority, will support and empower stakeholders through our forum to identify extended opportunities and will work together to make these happen.

Our aim is to:

  • Increase the number of Supported Internships provided within Havering for the residents of Havering with SEND
  • Increase the number of young people with SEND actually taking up these placements as part of a coherent pathway
  • Increase the number of employers actively offering Supported Internship places within Havering
  • See ‘Job Coaches’ and learner-facing advisors have a secure understanding and awareness of the Supported Internship programme to enhance their ability to make a meaningful difference to young people with SEND

How do Supported Internships benefit employers?

Employers help learners on the Supported Internship Programme undergo great transformations gaining greater independence and helping a young person to change their life. For the employer, there are massive benefits to offering supported internships like:

  • Enthusiastic and creative workers.
  • Accessing a new and diverse talent pool.
  • Filling skills gaps and solving workforce challenges.
  • Upskilling staff by developing mentoring skills.
  • Inclusive company culture, increasing positive staff attitudes.
  • Free staff neurodivergence training and how to recognise individual capabilities.
  • Demonstrating your commitment to your CSR requirements.
  • No additional cost to employers.

Interested? What happens next?

If you are a young person interested in undertaking a supported internship or if you are an employer who would like take on a supported intern, you can find out more information on the GOV.UK website HERE.

We will be updating our information very soon, so please check back regularly for updates.