SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS Could you host a placement?
7th November 2022
Click here to view the Supported Internship – An Employer’s Guide
The Into Work programme is a Supported Internship that provides opportunities for 16 to 24-year olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so. Specialist job coaches work with businesses and talented students to reach positive outcomes for all.
What is a Supported Internship?
To support young people to move into sustainable paid employment. Specialist Job Coaches from the SEND Centre of Excellence work closely with students and employers to ensure the right training, support and job roles are in place for the organisation and student.
Do I need to pay the student?
No, there is no cost to taking on a student on a supported internship.
How can I make sure the students are matched to my business?
The specialist job coaches will work closely with you to understand what your business needs are. They will then match students to the job roles and support the student throughout the internship.
Am I limited to one student?
No, multiple students are possible in one workplace, if the jobs are matched appropriately.
How long is the Internship?
Timescales can vary depending on the employer and student needs, this will be reviewed every 6 weeks. Most Internships are completed within 12 months and successful students move into paid roles.
Will there be lots of paperwork?
No, a Health and Safety declaration will be completed with you, the remaining paperwork will be completed by the SEND Centre of Excellence staff
How can I balance this alongside my day-to-day activities?
The specialist job coaches will work with you to train the student, so this does not impact on your everyday operational running of the business.
What support will I receive?
The specialist job coaches will ensure they discuss any support you may require as an organisation to take on a student. This can involve SEND specific awareness training, job coaches being on site as well as being flexible in how they work with you.
Do I have to offer paid employment at the end of the internship?
Ideally sustainable paid employment is the aim of the internship. However, we are aware that organisational needs can change, however the skills acquired will benefit the young person applying for other roles.
If this is something you feel your business could offer, please contact sendenquiries@weston.ac.uk
