What is a Supported Internship?
Supported interns are in full-time education supported by a learning provider, for example, a school or college, but spend most of their learning time—typically around 70%—in a workplace as part of their course.
Supported Internships are available to young people aged 16-25 years with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The intention is to support young people with SEND gain the necessary skills to gain paid employment once their internship is completed.
The Supported Internship in B&NES project hopes to achieve the following key outcomes:
- Increased numbers of supported internship opportunities in the region
- A support and information network for employers and organisations supporting supported employment
- Increased numbers of young people with EHCP's entering employment
- Information, guidance and support for parents, carers and professionals supporting young people with EHCP's moving towards employment.
What do young people achieve from a supported internship?
- Develop skills valued by employers
- Develop confidence in their own abilities to perform successfully at work
- Enable them to demonstrate their value in the workplace
- Provide the opportunity for young people to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace.
As part of the national Internships Work programme, Bath and North East Somerset has received a grant from the Department for Education to develop our SEND Employment Forum and increase the number of Supported Internships in our area.
How can I find out more?
For more information or to get started email supported_internships@bathnes.gov.uk.
What Supported Internships are currently available in B&NES?
Project Search - Finding Futures
Project SEARCH - Finding Futures is a supported internship programme committed to transforming the lives of young adults with SEND by equipping them with the experience, skills and support they need to enter paid employment and achieve exciting careers.
Project SEARCH currently work in partnership with the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the University of Bath to offer placements. Interns carry out work placements across a variety of areas, such as administration, information technology, catering, cleaning, retail, site maintenance, food services, human resources, laboratory assistance, research and development, porter roles, reception, data management and more.
Entry requirements:
- Aged between 16-24 years on 1st September 2024
- Have a learning difficulty or Autism, and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Be able to evidence previous work experience (voluntary or paid)
- Be able to demonstrate appropriate communication and behaviour in the workplace
- Have independent personal hygiene and grooming skills
- Have some independent travel skills, and be able to get to and from the programme independently.
To request an application form, or for more information, please email info@finding-futures.co.uk.
Find out more by following Project SEARCH Bath and North East Somerset Facebook page.
Bath College Supported Internships
Supported Internships at Bath College provide a structured and supported pathway to employment for learners aged 18-25 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and SEND.
Learners must have an EHCP and be able to travel independently.
Learners attend work experience placements Monday to Thursday:
- Engaging in real-world placements tailored to their interests
- Gaining experience in different organisations during the internship (rotations)
- Developing practical skills, gain workplace experience, and build confidence in a supportive environment
- Work placements will be supported by Job Coaches from Discovery Job Coaching Agency
Employability sessions take place on Fridays:
- Instructor-led sessions aimed at developing essential job skills
- Covering a range of topics including CV writing, interview techniques, workplace communications, time management, and problem-solving skills
- Interactive session, tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the learners
For more information and to apply email info@bathcollege.ac.uk or call 01225 312 191.
Case Studies
Daniel - Project Search experience
Additional Supported Internships
Explore the list of supported internships available in our surrounding area to find one that meets your needs and interests.