SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS
A Supported Internship is a structured study programme designed to support young people with an EHCP to progress into paid employment. The programme combines a substantial work placement with tailored on-the-job support, alongside employability and functional skills learning. Each intern receives personalised guidance from a dedicated team, including employment coaches, to help develop workplace skills, confidence, and independence. The overall aim is to achieve sustainable employment at the end of the programme.
The Supported Internship curriculum is designed to prepare learners for sustainable employment through a combination of education, skills development, and real workplace experience. Interns follow a structured programme that includes core curriculum lessons in Maths, English, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Development (PSD) qualifications. Alongside this, the Skills for Work element focuses on developing employability through two key components: employment skills and sector-specific qualifications. Employment skills units include areas such as developing interpersonal skills, understanding workplace behaviour, and recognising employment opportunities. This learning is complemented by enrichment activities and a substantial work placement, enabling interns to apply their skills in a real working environment. The enrichment curriculum complements the academic and vocational elements of the programme by supporting learners’ wellbeing, confidence, and social development. Learners engage in a range of structured activities such as gym sessions, swimming, art club, and board game club. These activities encourage teamwork, communication, creativity, and healthy lifestyles, while also helping learners to build independence and transferable skills that support success in the workplace.