Supported Internships

For young people aged 16 to 24 who need structured, employer led support into paid employment.

For young people aged 16 to 24 who need structured, employer led support into paid employment.

A supported internship is a real placement in a real business, with a job coach alongside and a role built around what the young person can actually do well.

A supported internship is a real placement in a real business, with a job coach alongside and a role built around what the young person can actually do well.

Book a consultation

What it involves

Employer led pathways combining a workplace placement, employability learning and a dedicated job coach, with a role shaped around the young person’s strengths through job carving.

Many young people with learning disabilities, autism, SEMH needs or additional support needs want to work, but struggle to access employment through traditional recruitment routes.

Supported Internships provide a different approach. Instead of expecting a young person to fit a standard job description from day one, we work with employers to identify tasks, responsibilities and working patterns that match the young person’s skills, interests and potential.

The internship is not work experience. It is designed to help a young person develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to secure sustainable employment.

What is included

We take time to understand the young person’s strengths, interests, support needs and career aspirations before identifying suitable employers and roles.

Before the placement begins, we assess the workplace environment and agree any reasonable adjustments needed to help the young person succeed from the start.

The programme is particularly valuable for young people who are motivated by doing, experiencing and contributing in a real workplace.

  • Careful matching between young person and employer
  • Workplace assessment and reasonable adjustments agreed up front
  • A dedicated job coach supporting both the intern and the employer
  • Employability learning alongside the placement
  • Travel training so the young person can get there independently
  • Employer liaison and regular reviews
  • Family support throughout
  • Support into a paid role at the end wherever possible

Outcome

Sustainable employment and independence. 

Nationally, around 5% of people with a learning disability are in paid work, yet the strongest supported internship models reach around 70% into employment. Access to Work can fund a job coach for up to 26 weeks.

Interns can work towards recognised vocational and employability related accreditation that evidences the skills they have developed.

The ultimate goal is paid employment, but every intern leaves with a clearer pathway forward and evidence of their skills, experience and achievements.

  • Accredited vocational learning
  • Employer Ready Certificates
  • Genuine workplace experience and a work reference
  • Improved independence and confidence
  • Paid employment or a clear next step

FAQ

Young people aged 16 to 24 who want to work and need structured support to get there.

Through study programme funding, high needs funding where costs exceed 6,000 pounds, and Access to Work for a job coach.

A dedicated job coach and a role shaped around the young person’s strengths, with adjustments agreed with the employer before day one.

Our centre is in Redditch, and we work across Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcester and wider Worcestershire, with outreach delivered in homes and community venues.

We support the move into a paid role wherever possible, and help the young person plan the next step if a role is not available.

During the placement it forms part of the young person’s programme. The shared goal is paid work.