Local Offer: A Quick Guide to Supported Internships - WNC

Supported Internships if You Have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan

A supported internship is an unpaid work-based study programme. It’ll help you take the first step from education into the workplace while gaining the skills you need to get a paid job. 

What You’ll Do as a Supported Intern:

You’ll spend most of your time as a supported intern in the workplace to develop skills you need for work.

A supported internship includes:

• an unpaid work placement of at least 6 months
• support from a qualified job coach
• a personalised study programme, including English and maths skills

Entry Requirements for Supported Internships:

You need to be aged 16-24 years and have an EHC Plan to start a supported internship.

Qualification You’ll Earn:

Supported internships mostly focus on teaching you the general skills you need for work.

However, your study programme might include the chance to study a relevant qualification at a level that’s suitable for you.

Finding a Supported Internship:

Speak to your school, college, and/or EHC caseworker if you're interested in doing a supported internship.

The following organisations offer supported internships:

• Down Syndrome Association: WorkFit Programme
• Mencap Training Academy: Supported Internship Programme (Northamptonshire)
• Moulton College: Supported Internship (Certificate Level 1)
• WNC Adult Social Care: Employment and Disability Service (EADS)

After Your Supported Internship:

The aim of a supported internship is to prepare you for working in a paid job.

After you have completed it, you could get a paid job at the same place you did your supported internship or you could look for a job with a different employer.

You could also carry on training by doing something like an apprenticeship.

More Information:

• National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi): What are Supported Internships? Easy Read (PDF 809KB)