Supported internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer. They enable young people aged 16-24 with a Learning Difficulty Assessment or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), 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, but are normally for a year. They are usually 20 hours per week. Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment 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.
Supported Internships in Wandsworth:
- Merton College
- Project Search at St George's Hospital
- South Thames College Group
- Mencap Supported Internships
Supported Internships in London:
- Ambitious College
- London South East Colleges.
- Carshalton College
- Cricket Green School with Action on Disability (Project SEARCH – employer-led by St George’s Hospital)
- National Star College with College of North London
- National Star College with Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College (Ealing Hospital)
- Orchard Hill College
- West Thames College with Action on Disability (Project SEARCH, employer-led by Glaxo Smith Klein)
- Whitefield Schools (Project SEARCH, employer-led by Whipps Cross University
Some Supported Internships run outside of academic years.
If you are not sure about your options or if a supported internship is for you, get some careers advice first. Please speak with your school or college on this.
Make sure you let your EHCCo know so they can arrange for any support in your EHCP to be delivered during your internship.
The Further Education Colleges and Schools hold open days or open evenings about the Supported Internship(s) they offer, usually between January and April, to enable young people and their families to gain a better understanding of the opportunities they can offer. The open events are also a chance for interested students and their families to ask questions and to submit application forms
The West London Alliance (WLA)
The West London Alliance is a public sector partnership between seven West London local authorities of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.
Find out more about West London Alliance's supported internships
Developments
Wandsworth Council is excited to be looking at a new supported internship for September 2023 which will be a DFN Project Search. Applicants must also be capable of travelling independently to and from their places of training and home, or be willing to be travel trained to do so. Further details will be announced on this offer in the new academic year. In the meantime we would like to hear from you if you are interested in a supported internship and therefore, please can you complete the expression of interest form.