Supported Internships

A Supported Internship offers young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, the opportunity to gain practical work-based learning experience, providing a smooth transition from education to paid employment and further study.

Supported Internships

Students on the internships spend three days a week in employment and two days a week at College developing employability skills such as CV building, job applications, interview skills and English & maths. Specialist on site therapy services are available to enable the intern to further develop their personal coping strategies and enhance engagement with preparation for adulthood themes.

Outline

A Supported Internship is a partnership between Wargrave House School and College and host employers. It is tailored to the individual needs of the young person to develop skills in order to gain paid employment.

Nick at the RSPCA

Nick completed his Supported Internship in 2021-2022 at the RSPCA. He had undertaken numerous tasks, worked hard to develop many new and transferrable employability skills.

Nick also devised successful fundraising activities for the RSPCA including his own college Christmas Market stall. Nicky has progressed to become a positive and valuable member of staff at the RSPCA especially when working on maintenance jobs.

Since leaving college Nick has continued to work at the RSPCA two days a week which has no doubt made even greater strides to independence.

Course details

Supported Internships are programmes that offer people with a learning disability, or difficulty aged 16-24 years old, the opportunity to get practical work-based learning experience providing a smooth transition from education to paid employment.

Supported Internships offer a range of benefits, helping people with learning disabilities or difficulties to raise their aspirations, build skills and confidence, gain a better understanding of employment, show employers what they can do and progress towards paid work.

Entry guidelines:

All applicants must have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or apply for one in order to attend at Level 3. Applicants should be capable of completing a successful work experience placement. Applicants should be motivated to want to exit education and enter paid employment at the end of the course.

Chris at the Holiday Inn

Chris does his Supported Internship at the Holiday Inn, Wigan two days a week. Working there he has developed a range of skills with his job coach that has increased his independence.

Chris mainly works in housekeeping and keeping the grounds of the hotel tidy. Chris has grown in confidence working with new people and building self-esteem by interacting with the staff and members of the public.

Additional information

Benefits to the employer

  • The employer and the intern are fully supported by both the College and experienced job coaches.
  • Supported Internships help employers create a diverse and vibrant workforce, enhancing public image as a leader in employing people with disabilities.
  • Employers will benefit from improved workforce morale and increased customer goodwill.
  • Supported Internships offer flexible, productive recruitment process, filling gaps in your business with staff who will be a real asset.
  • Employers will have the benefit of additional help in the workplace.

The Benefits for Interns

  • Raises aspirations
  • Builds skills and confidence
  • Provides understanding of employment
  • Shows employers what they can do
  • Helps to progress on to paid employment

Where can I progress to

  • Students would progress into employment.
  • If not further study and voluntary work would be appropriate.
  • Explore potential careers with the college CEIAG — this provides current information about employment prospects.

Our Employment Partners

Earlestown Cricket Club 

Newton Community Centre 

The Mersey Forest (Colliers Moss) 

Galliford Try 

RSPCA 

Mercure Hotel 

Story House 

Enovert 

The Jockey Club (Haydock Park Racecourse) 

Holiday inn 

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