What could be more rewarding than helping to train, inspire, then see someone develop their skills and give back to your business?
A Supported Internship is an opportunity for employers to give a young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and an education, health and care (EHC) plan the chance to experience the world of work and potentially become your next recruit.
Read on to find out more about supported internships and how they can impact your workforce.
What is a supported internship?
Supported Internships are structured, work-based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The programme includes a substantial work placement of 200 hours per academic year, supported by a qualified Job Coach. Students attend college for 2 days per week to study English, Maths and Employability, and spend up to 3 days per week in a work placement.
This programme is ideal for students with SEND who, with the right support, are ready to develop the skills needed for paid employment, further training or an apprenticeship.
Job Coach Support
Each intern is supported by a dedicated Job Coach. They:
- Prepare interns for the workplace, including expectations, dress code and travel
- Support employers with reasonable adjustments and task planning
- Provide on-site mentoring and progress reviews
- Use structured task breakdown to build confidence and independence
- Remain on call throughout the placement
Benefits for Employers
Hosting a Supported Intern can benefit your organisation operationally, culturally and strategically.
The National Development Team for Inclusion highlights the following benefits:
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Increased diversity and innovation – fresh perspectives and strong attention to detail
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Improved employee retention – employees with SEND are often highly dedicated
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Enhanced reputation – demonstrate commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities
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Access to a motivated workforce – interns are eager to gain real-world experience
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Staff development – builds empathy, leadership skills and team morale
Additional Benefits
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Cost-effective support – Job Coach guidance and potential access to Access to Work
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Become Disability Confident – progress towards Level 1: Disability Confident Committed status
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Contribute to social mobility and your local community
Frequently Asked Questions
Job Coaches provide one-to-one support, implement reasonable adjustments, develop workplace skills and remain on call throughout the placement.
Employers can meet interns before placement. Job Coaches share information about strengths, support needs and communication preferences. Placements are carefully matched and expectations agreed collaboratively.
Interns complete 200 hours during term-time only. Placements are typically Monday to Wednesday, usually 10am to 2pm, with flexibility to suit your organisation.
There is no expectation of pay during the internship and no obligation to offer employment. However, if the placement is successful, you may benefit from a trained, work-ready candidate with reduced recruitment costs.
There is no cost to host an intern, though you will need to provide supervision and mentoring.
Interns are covered under your existing employer insurance. Job Coaches will complete relevant health and safety documentation with you.
Speak to the Job Coach at the earliest opportunity. Most concerns can be resolved. If necessary, the placement can end and alternative arrangements discussed.
Disability Confident employer scheme
The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workplace.
Disability Confident employers of all sizes are:
• challenging attitudes towards disability
• increasing understanding of disability
• removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations
Being Disability Confident could help you discover someone your business just can’t do without.
Whether an employee has become disabled during their working life, or you’re looking for new recruits, being Disability Confident can help your people fulfil their potential and contribute fully to your team’s success.
By being Disability Confident, you’ll also be seen as leading the way in your business sector and beyond, helping to positively change attitudes, behaviours and cultures.
Disability Confident helps businesses:
- draw from the widest possible pool of talent
- secure and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
- save time and money on the costs of recruitment and training by reducing staff turnover
- keep valuable skills and experience
- reduce the levels and costs of sickness absences
- improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that they treat all employees fairly
The scheme has 3 levels designed to support you at every step on your Disability Confident journey. You must complete each level before moving on to the next. Walsall College can support you in applying to become a Disability Confident Employer.
Level 1: Disability Confident Committed
To be recognised as Disability Confident Committed, you must agree to the Disability Confident commitments and identify at least one action that you’ll carry out to make a difference for disabled people, information on this can be found on the government website.
Level 2: Disability Confident Employer
Once you’ve signed up for level 1 you can progress to level 2, a Disability Confident Employer, by self-assessing your organisation around 2 themes:
• getting the right people for your business
• keeping and developing your people
Level 3: Disability Confident Leader
By becoming a Disability Confident Leader, you’ll be acting as a champion within your local and business communities. To reach this level you’ll need to:
• have your self-assessment validated by someone outside of your business (not including DWP employees in jobcentres)
• provide a short narrative to show what you have done or will be doing to support your status as a Disability Confident Leader
• confirm you are employing disabled people
• report on disability, mental health and wellbeing, by referring to the Voluntary Reporting Framework
- Wisemore Campus
- Littleton Street West
- Walsall
- WS2 8ES
- 01922 657000