Supported Internships
For Employers
Would you like to support a young person to secure meaningful paid employment, while improving your current workforce? Hiring a supported intern could be the perfect opportunity for you.
As of January 2024, Reaseheath College will be offering supported internships, which are endorsed by the Department of Education and have been designed to help learners who have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) gain paid employment with some additional support.
How does a supported internship work?
A supported internship is a bespoke study programme that is aimed at young people ages 16-24 with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) who wish to move into employment. These young people may have a learning difficulty or disability but are ready to access the workplace with some additional support, transitioning successfully into full time work.
This on-the-job training is supported by an expert job coach supplied by the college who supports the business and intern until full independence is achieved.
What are the benefits of hiring a supported intern?
We are dedicated to ensuring that supported internships benefit both our learners and the businesses they work for. We carefully match our learners and their goals to suitable employers and the roles they have available.
Hiring a supported intern will help you to:
- Build a strong workforce of well coached staff who are motivated to work
- Fill any recruitment gaps you have
- Promote yourself as a disability confident employer
- Develop your knowledge of supporting a diverse work force
- Increase your confidence in employing individuals with additional needs
Additionally, support and training are available for local employers who support the provision and offer a placement to local participants, and you will have direct links with the college for advice and guidance.
You will also have an input on specific areas of vocational learning for us to develop on site with interns.
There is no legal requirement or expectation that the supported intern will be paid while on placement. However, we would aim ideally for you to take on your fully trained intern into paid employment at the end of placement where possible.
How long is a supported internship?
Supported internships usually last for between 6 – 12 months. Interns would be on site at college one day a week, with a view to start two days a week in the workplace.
How can I find out more about supported internships?
If you would like to explore the possibility of offering supported internships now or in the future at your workplace, please get in touch with our Supported Internship Coordinator Hannah Goodwin at hannah.goodwin@reaseheath.ac.uk