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Supported Internships

Supported internships are for young people with EHCPs, who are ready to move into work.

This is the exit route from education, into the world of work. Most learners will have completed a previous college course, but supported internships are available to anyone under 25 with an EHCP who has the potential to work, but needs support to access work.

For anyone who needs more time to prepare for work, we may offer an employability course, before the supported internship year.

Who's it for

Young people with EHCPs who are ready to move into employment and need support to do so.

Purpose

To build a bridge between education and the workplace.

Learners Working In The Shop

Our Offer

Supported internships are an effective route to progress
towards paid employment for many young people with
Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and are offered from all our campuses: Ipswich, Rural (Otley) and On The Coast (Halesworth and Leiston).

Case Studies

Hear first hand from some of our Supported Interns and employers about how the programme has helped them develop and grow!

Invest in Talent

A supported internship is a structured program designed to help young people with disabilities or additional needs transition from education to employment.

These internships provide tailored work experience, training, and support within a real workplace, aiming to enhance skills, boost confidence, and improve employability.

Participants receive guidance from job coaches and mentors, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience.

Why host a Supported Internship placement?

There are lots of good reasons to host a supported internship work placement, which is FREE to the employer. As well as making a contribution to society and increasing the diversity of your workforce to reflect your customers and society, the benefits to your business include:

 

  • The extended work placement can act as an extended working interview – giving you an increased chance of getting the right person to fill your vacancies and bringing new skills to your workforce
  • Offering a placement will increase an employer’s disability confidence, with job coaches available to supplement any in-work training that the employer provides. The intern can also undertake additional learning in college identified by the employer, to work on qualifications that the employer would want their workforce to have
  • There may be an opportunity to give a junior member of staff mentoring or supervisory experience if they act as a ‘buddy’ to the intern

Help & Support

Moving from school to college can be something of a culture shock. But at Suffolk New College we’ve created a supportive, social environment where you can easily get access to the help and advice you need, make new friends and get the most out of your time with us.

student receiving support

Contact the team

If you’re interested in learning more about Supported Internships, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to provide further information!

Book an Open Event and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college Open Events, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current learners and staff.

Learners walking through the Suffolk Rural Campus