Spend time in the workplace while you follow a tailored study plan.

Age: 16 to 24

Cost: Free

Leads to: Employment

A supported internship includes an unpaid work placement of at least 6 months, support from a qualified job coach and a personalised study programme to study a relevant qualification. 

Supported internships are for young people aged 16 — 24 with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, who want to get a job and need extra support to do this. 

What are they?

A study programme put together to give each student the training, support and work skills required help them get a job. Most of the learning is done in the workplace. Your employer gives you work experience, trains you to do a job role and learn the skills needed for entering the world of work.

You also have the opportunity to study for qualifications and other training as part of a personalised study programme that helps you to be ready to take up a job.

Internships are unpaid and last for at least six months. Their aim is to work towards getting a paid job, and doing a supported internship will hopefully lead you to move into a paid job at the completion of the programme.

How they work

All further education colleges, sixth form and independent specialist providers can offer supported internships.

The provider will work with employers in your local area and supported employment services. You will be involved in the planning of your study programme and have a tutor and expert job coach to work with you and your employer during the internship.