Supported Internships

What are supported Internships?

Supported internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer. They enable young people aged 16-24 with a statement of SEN, a Learning Difficulty Assessment or an Education, Health and Care plan to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.

Supported internships are unpaid, and last for a minimum of six months. Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment or training at the end of the programme. Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if appropriate, and English and maths.

Since 2015 The Westminster School has worked with many companies in order to establish a Supported Internship programme. This has led to many of our young people going into either paid employment or an apprenticeships. Companies include:

Interserve and Mitie
Sandwell Council
Blakemores
Autograph
Ground Control
The West Bromwich Albion Foundation.

The School provide one or more dedicated job coaches, paid for by the school, to support the student throughout their placement. All young people and employers have support from an expert job coach. Employers do not pay for job coaches (this is arranged by the school or college). The level of support offered by each job coach will be agreed with the employer, and the input will depend on the needs of both the young person and the employer.

Further Information

To ensure you have all of the information about the process of Supported Internships we have put together a range of resources for you to utilise.

For more information about Supported Internships visit: