Supported Internships

Supported Internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer.   

The aim of Supported Internships is to provide opportunities for young people to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, primarily through learning in the workplace.

Supported internships are for young people aged 16-24 with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).  You can find further information here.  

Please see below for local Supported Internship opportunities.

Mencap has developed two options for young people with an EHCP who aspire to work. Based on an assessment carried out by Mencap, learners will either take a 1 year or 2-year programme, recognising that some people may need more support than others.

Eligibility:

  • Aged 16-24
  • Have an EHCP
  • Have a learning disability, learning difficulty or autism 
  • Aspire to work and able to complete 300 hours of work experience

Further Information

Download details of Mencap's Supported Internships and outcomes here (pdf, 1013kb)

Download details of Mencap's Pre-Internship study programme here (pdf, 608kb)

Student experiences

  • Click here to read John-Jo’s story about his experiences whilst completing the Mencap Supported Internship programme 
  • Click here to hear about Patrick’s story on YouTube 

Contact 

For further information, please email  carly.knowler@mencap.org.uk or Jade.frater@mencap.org.uk

Telephone0207 294 2311

Address: Royal Mencap Society, Centre of Engagement, 123 Golden Lane, London, EC1Y 0RT

Click here to visit Mencap's Supported Internship web page

WKC have a programme of Supported Internships for learners with learning difficulties.

Supported Internships are the perfect stepping stone for learners to transition into the world of work.
For more information about the Supported Internship programme please visit the WKC website.

Contact

Please email aklima.bilkis@westking.ac.uk -Supported Internship Co-ordinator, for any further information.

Westminster Kingsway College
King’s Cross Centre
211 Gray’s Inn Road
WC1X 8RA

Tel: 020 7963 4181

Click here to visit WKC's Supported Internship web page

If you are autistic aged between 18-25, have an Education Health and Care Plan and would like to work, The Autism Project may be able to help you reach your goals.

The Autism Project is a full time course run over 2 years; students attend 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday, for 72 weeks in total. The aim of the course is to help young adults with autism (18-25) prepare for employment by offering work experience placements in a supportive environment at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospitals.

Training provided: City & Guilds Employability Qualifications (Entry 2 to Level 2) and Function Skills in English & Maths as needed, intensive supported work experience (approx. 600 hours in year 1), and a mock interview programme.

Contact

Email: info@caretradeuk.org
Tel: 020 3375 6288

Click here to visit Care Trade's The Autism Project website 

Lewisham Supported Internships are run in partnership with Lewisham Council, Phoenix Housing and The 3 Cs.  Supported Internships aim to give young people with an EHC Plan a supportive and motivating route into paid employment and/or an apprenticeship.  Students receive support from a coach job to produce an effective CV and acquire excellent interview skills. Students spend some time in class practising team work, communication skills and work related tasks. 

Supported Internships include:  Brockley restaurant (Catering), Phoenix Housing (range of placements, office, catering, caretaking services and our newest one which is directly with Lewisham council where placements include the gyms, parks, offices.

Contact

Telelphone: 020 3757 3000 or email info@lewisham.ac.uk or use Live Chat.

Click here to visit Lewisham College's Supported Learning web page  

Health Education England, Project Choice is a specialist College providing tailored educational support, and a supported internship course for young adults aged 16-24 with learning disabilities/ difficulties and/ or Autism.

Project Choice partner with NHS healthcare settings, local organisations and private businesses to create supported work environments that provide real work experience for our Learners. 

Support is tailored to each Learner, based on their skills and interests.  The College is supported by the NHS as part of the ongoing commitment to improving employment outcomes for vulnerable groups. The learning day is based in Borough.

Download further information here. (pdf, 836kb)

Student experiences

Click here to hear about the experiences of interns at Project Choice on YouTube

 

Contact

Click here for details of Project Choice London locations

For more information on the programme, please email project.choice@hee.nhs.uk

Click here to visit the Project Choice - Supported Internships web page