A three-day a week work-based programme, across the academic year, which combines work experience with a personalised study programme. The aim of the programme is to help those with support needs to learn vital skills and to gain work experience to move into and stay in work.
Surrey Choices can help you to find and sustain work through our Supported Internships programme. The programme is for those who are 16- 24 years old and for both those who do and do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The Supported Internship programme is a work-based programme which combines real work experience with a personalised study programme. The programme usually lasts for one year. The aim of the programme is to help those with support needs to learn vital skills to move into and stay in work. The programme is for those who want to work 16 hours a week of more.
Structure
A supported internship focuses on getting young people ready for the structure and expectations in a workplace. Whenever possible, the aim is to move you into paid work at the end of your internship.
We support both the employee and employers to ensure the job is a good match and has opportunities to learn new skills. One of the key success factors is having a job coach on site who can help you develop and succeed in your role.
The types of roles interns are offered include retail, hospitality, animal care, digital technology, horticulture, engineering and technical trades.
How we support you
We will support you in your work-based learning placements through five different stages of support:
- Participant engagement – An opportunity for you to find out about Supported Employment and make an informed choice on whether it is right for you.
- Vocational profiling – A detailed and unique discovery and planning process that enables you to identify what you want to achieve and work out a plan for getting there.
- Job Matching – You will be allocated an Employment Support Specialist who will provide you with support to find vacancies that meet your employment goals.
- Engaging Employers – The person providing you with support learns about the job and works out a plan with the employer on how they will assist you through the recruitment process and in the workplace.
- In-work support and career development – You are supported to learn the job and sustain employment. This could include job coaching at work, training, support from a workplace mentor and regular workplace reviews.
- Placements with employers will last for at least six months, with group learning provided around the placement including supporting you with English and Math skills.
We also provide extra support to learners who need it, like Travel Training.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this programme you must:
- Have support needs
- Be 16 – 24 years old
- Live in Surrey
- Aspire to have a paid job
- Not be in work or full-time education
Our award-winning employment support service, EmployAbility, are working in partnership with East Surrey College and Surrey County Council to deliver this programme.