Supported Internship
Did you know that only 6% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment*?
Putting people with additional needs at the heart of your workforce can help grow your business. Supported Internships enable you to access an untapped pool of potential employees - talented and enthusiastic individuals who will receive bespoke training and support at no cost.
What is a Supported Internship?
- A partnership between an employer and a learning provider supporting people aged 16-24 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) into paid part/full-time employment
- A tailored training programme for up to 12 months based mainly in the workplace
- Support and guidance of a dedicated Work Coach for both the individual and the employer
What are the benefits?
- The opportunity to recruit trained and motivated staff from an untapped pool of talent
- The chance to enhance your reputation both internally and externally by clearly demonstrating your corporate social responsibility commitment
- Provide employees professional development opportunities through mentoring interns
- Demonstrate compliance with the Equality Act 2010
- Gain recognition as a Disability Confident employer by employing people with disabilities
- Harness the additional skills and resources to boost productivity
- Develop a diverse and positive work force that is more inclusive of the community
What do we need from you?
- An openness to the experience and interest in participating in the programme
- Practical on the job training and work experience (from a half day to 3-full days)
- Making reasonable adjustments to the workplace or work schedule
- The potential for paid employment at the end of the internship
What support can you get from our Employment and Skills Team?
- A dedicated Work Coach offering support to both you and the intern
- Advice, recommendations and support on making any reasonable adjustments
- Access to financial support for adjustments if appropriate
- Regular check-in for the smooth integration and development of the intern’s skills
- The offer of training potentially leading to vocational qualifications
Contact our team with 0121 704 6869 or employerengagementteam@solihull.gov.uk to learn more.
Useful links:
*Data sources: Measures from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF), NHS (2021-22)
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