Supported Internship Information for Parents

What are additional needs? 

Additional needs refers to the extra support someone might require in education or at work. Supported internships provide tailored guidance to help young people succeed in the workplace. Many learners on the programme have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which ensures they receive the appropriate support.

What is a Supported Internship? 

• A full-time, structured work-based learning programme designed for young people aged 16–24 with identified additional needs
• It combines hands-on work experience with a local employer, support from experienced job coaches, an employability course focusing on soft skills, vocational profiling to highlight each student’s strengths, and opportunities to gain relevant qualifications 
• A job coach provides ongoing support to both the intern and the employer, with full funding through Access to Work.
• Employers don’t have to offer a job at the end of the placement, but supported internships give them a great opportunity to see if someone is the right fit for a role, especially if a suitable vacancy arises.

How does a supported internship benefit your young person?

• An opportunity to show employers their abilities and potential
• One-to-one guidance from a Job Coach to help them thrive in the workplace 
• A chance to gain valuable experience and learn new skills along the way 
• Support to build confidence and believe in themselves when looking for a job 

What is our role during the internship as a provider? 

SS&L will enrol the learner as a ‘student’ and support them throughout their journey. We will work closely with the employer to ensure steady progress and actively teach valuable Employability Skills.