Supported Internships

What are Supported Internships?

A Supported Internship is a work-based study programme for people aged 16-24 with and Education, Health and Care plan, aimed at helping learners to take the first steps from education to the world of work.

Supported Internships usually last for one year, including a six-month work placement to help develop transferable skills and confidence in the workplace.

What can I expect?

• An unpaid work placement that lasts for at least six months
• Support from a qualified job coach, both in the workplace and in the classroom
• Opportunities to develop your skills, gain qualifications and work on your English and maths if needed

For more information about Supported Internships, visit the National Careers Service website.

Southampton Supported Internship Forum

Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Team has received funding to develop a Supported Internship Forum which aims to grow Supported Internship provision in the city in support of the national aim of doubling the number of Supported Internships by 2025.

The Southampton Supported Internship Forum is made up of providers, employers, schools, colleges, parents and young people and aims to raise the profile of high quality Supported Internships.

If you’d like to be a part of the forum and be involved in shaping employment opportunities for young people with SEND, please fill in the form:

View the Southampton Supported Internship Forum Terms of Reference.

The next Supported Internship Forum meeting will be taking place in April 2024.

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Who offers Supported Internships in and around Southampton?

Information for Job Coaches

The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) are currently offering funded training for Supported Internship Job Coaches.

Guidance from GOV.UK on Staffing and Job Coaching.

The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) have created some useful resources and templates around Vocational Profiling.

NDTi have also developed a Job Coach Skills Audit tool to help you discover your skills and identify and gaps and training needs you might have.

The Supported Employment and Job Coaching Best Practice Guide.

View the British Association for Supported Employment's information on National Occupational Standards.

Information for Employers

Fuelling Futures – this toolkit from the Careers & Enterprise Company is a practical guide to help employers provide workplace experiences that include supported internships and supported apprenticeships for young people with SEND. It also includes advice to help these young people with their transition into employment.