Supported internships
Supporting young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) to get employment ready
If you’re a young person aged 16-24 with SEND and looking to enter the world of work, then a Supported Internship could be the path for you.
Knowsley Council is working with local education providers to support young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) gain valuable work experience and prepare for future employment.
What is a supported internship?
The Supported Internship Programme is a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). The core aim of a supported internship is to equip you with the skills needed to secure and sustain paid employment through learning in the workplace.
The programme starts in September and runs over one academic year, giving interns the chance to experience a work placement throughout the year, supported by their job coach.
As part of the course, each student attends a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach to gain valuable skills and experience. Students also attend college one day a week, to develop their employability and independence skills with the Employability Tutor.
Previous placements have included Administration Assistants, Grounds Maintenance roles, Catering Assistants, IT Support, Data Entry, Warehousing and Reception work.
What is it like to take part in a Supported Internship?
Knowsley resident Jake was a student on Knowsley’s first supported internship programme and became a permanent employee of Knowsley Council following his supported internship. You can read Jake's story here.
George’s journey into work began in 2019 when he joined Knowsley Community College’s Supported Internship programme with a keen interest in a career in catering. Read George's story here.
After impressing during his Supported Internship Programme Terry Smith secured a permanent paid role within the Knowsley Council’ school catering department. Read Terry's story here.
What support is on offer for employers?
Job coaches play a vital role in supporting employers that offer supported internship placements. They act as a bridge between the intern and the employer and can help the intern to understand the needs of the role. Job Coaches can also provide hands on support to the intern while they learn their tasks.
Free Raising Awareness of Neurodiversity webinar
The one-hour session raises awareness of learning disabilities, autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
Any employer in the Liverpool City Region can attend free of charge. The webinars are run by Knowsley Council and Liverpool Council.
You can find information about the Raising Awareness of Neurodiversity webinars here.
How do I apply for a supported internship or offer a work placement?
Please use the form below if you are:
- interested in being an intern
- an employer who would like to offer a work placement to an intern
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