Supported Internships

Young people with an EHC plan can take part in supported internships. These help them prepare for a job or an apprenticeship.

Supported internships are study programmes based mainly at an employer. They are designed to help young people and others with SEND get a paid job by giving them the skills they need.

5 cartoon characters, one is in a wheelchair

Supported Internships are for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 16 to 24 years with an EHC Plan. They are for those who want to go into employment and need extra support to do so. Supported Internships are unpaid and last for one year.

Alongside time at the employer, young people complete a study programme. This includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications along with English and Maths. The internship will be set up to give work-place experience and individual group work training. This depends on a persons needs.

Choices College (NHS)

Choices College offer a range of placements within the NHS

Choices College Supported Internships Information

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Sheffield College

Sheffield College offers supported internships for young people aged 16–24. They provide a work placement and extra support to help young people learn skills for work, independent living and managing money.

Placements include Sheffield College - Hillsborough Campus & Peaks, Gulliver’s Valley Resort, Aviva Young people can also suggest their own ideas for a placement.

The programme is primarily for young people aged 16–24 with an EHCP, although Sheffield College may consider applicants without one.

Supported Internship Information

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Sheaf Training

Sheaf Training offers supported internships for young people with an EHCP. These include at least six months of workplace experience, with support from a job coach. Employers include Marmadukes, Sheffield Cats Shelter, Amey, Aspire Community Enterprise and Sheffield City Council.

A pre-internship programme is also available. It includes short work placements and an Entry 3 Gateway qualification, helping young people build confidence, independence and work skills before moving on to the next stage of the internship.

Sheaf Training Supported Internship Information

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Nacro

The Nacro Supported Internship is based at ASDA Handsworth.

Interns gain hands-on experience through three placements in different Asda departments, alongside lessons in employability and life skills, with English and maths where appropriate. A dedicated tutor and job coaches provide support throughout, including help with job applications and interviews, with the aim of progressing into suitable paid employment

Nacro Supported Internship Information

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Access to Work

Support is available across supportive internships. Independent Travel Training can also be offered to help young people travel to their study programmes. Additional support is available on an individual basis.

The 16 to 24 Bursary Fund

Support for 16 to 19-year-olds who are the most financially disadvantaged and those who most need help with the costs of staying in education. Students aged over 19 can apply for the discretionary bursary if they have an EHC plan.

Providers can use the bursary as a source of funding to help meet costs for travel, meals and equipment for young people participating in supported internships.

Providers will support families through this application process

EHCPs do not automatically cease at the end of a supported internship - only when a young person has left education for employment, where the EHCP is no longer needed.