On the Supported Internship programme a Young Person is required to completed 580 hours of learning over the course of the academic year. It is for those who want to work 16 hours a week or more. The programme 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.
There are two separate programmes, for those who either have an EHCP or have no EHCP.
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
Your Employment Specialist will work with you to follow a five-stage plan to find a placement.
In the first term you will build on your employment skills to increase your confidence.
In the second term you will work to find a placement with an employer.
- 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 discover 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 to meet your employment goals
- Engaging Employers – The person providing you with support learns about the job and works out a plan with the employer and 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.
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.
The Supported Internship programme starts at the beginning of the academic year.
If you have an EHCP please contact your SEND Caseworker to discuss our programmes and they can then make a referral.
If you don’t have an EHCP please contact us to discuss further at employability@surreychoices.com