Supported Internships
What is a Supported Internship?
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who hold an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.
Supported interns are enrolled and supported by a learning provider, for example, a school or college, but spend most of their learning time - typically around 70% - in a workplace.
Supported interns are in full-time education and their supported internship work placements are part of their course. There is no legal requirement or expectation that the supported intern will be paid and are exempt from the National Minimum Wage regulation. They generally last for a minimum of 6 months, and up to a year but can be flexible for the individuals needs.
Reality Check
Unfortunately, there are many more young people with SEND than there are young people with EHCPs, and supported internships are only an option to those that have them. Further complicating things is that some EHCPs do not have supported internships specifically mentioned in their wording and this too can rule out more young people from accessing them. Supported internships can also not be on offer in all sectors.
A supported Internship might be right for you if:
You are aged between 16-24, have an EHCP and are ready to gain real world experience.
You want to develop your independence in a working environment.
You meet any other entry requirements needed for the Supported Internship.
You're interested in the sectors offering supported internships.
Alternatives to Supported Internships
Due to the limitations of accessing supported internships, it might be that considering alternative sources of supported education and work becomes necessary. A Mind Apart offers such programmes. You can also see a list of other providers below.
Case Study- A Mind Apart
Designed for learners aged 16+, this flexible education and training programme is tailored to an individual’s needs and covers areas including:
Developing leadership skills through peer mentoring younger students.
Learning about performing arts and different job roles.
Planning and running an event under A Mind Apart Events
English Functional Skills (for those who need it)
Work experience in administration
Work experience in working with children
CV and letter writing.
Developing skills and experience in applying for jobs
What to do next
Check if you are eligible for a supported internship- do you have the necessary requirements to take on one of these opportunities?
Are you ready for a supported internship- have a think about whether you feel ready or not to be in work yet or whether you feel 'done' with college. After you have done a supported internship, your EHCP will usually end, so make sure that now is the right time!
Look at available opportunities for you and what they offer. Are they right for you? Where might they lead do? Do you have other options?
You could meet with a careers adviser to discuss your next steps and get support to find a supported internship
Project Choice (NHS/Sheaf Training) - Multiple opportunities for different work roles within the NHS
Mencap Supported Internships – Not currently available in Sheffield, but available locally
You can also try...
Supported Internships with the Sheffield College
Opportunities through Sheaf Training (Sheffield City Council)
Disability Confident Providers
The disability confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to their workplace. Generally, it means that an employer as the resources and experience to support disabled applicants.
Did you know? You can search for apprenticeship opportunities by selecting the disability confident box on the search site linked below.