What is a Support Internship?

Understanding Support Internships

A Support Internship is a structured study programme based primarily at an employer. It's designed to help young people aged 16-24 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to achieve sustainable paid employment.

We support individuals who are neurodiverse in their workplace. We have extensive experience supporting individuals to achieve their full potential in a variety of settings.

Real Work Experience

Experience actual workplace environments with meaningful job roles

Personalized Support

Dedicated job coach support tailored to individual needs

Skills Development

Build workplace skills, confidence, and independence

85%

Success Rate

Key Features of Support Internships

Our comprehensive approach ensures every intern receives the support they need to succeed in the workplace.

Duration & Structure

12-24 months programme
Minimum 6 months with employer
Flexible scheduling
Gradual independence building

Job Coach Support

Trained job coach assigned
On-site workplace support
Skills development coaching
Regular progress reviews

Outcome Focused

Paid employment goal
CV and interview skills
Workplace confidence
Long-term career planning

The Role of Your Job Coach

A job coach wears many different hats when supporting an individual in finding and maintaining employment.

Comprehensive Support

We provide a trained Job Coach to support you and your staff and enable your new recruit to fulfill their job role. The job coach has two customers: the individual with a disability and the employer who will hire the job seeker.

Personal Development

Assist in identifying personal interests, which lead to a job of choice in the community

Business Understanding

Understand the business community and how individuals with disabilities add value to the workplace

Workplace Integration

Identify workplace supports that assist the individual in becoming employed today

"Having a job coach at work has helped me a lot, when I have problems I have someone with me. My job coach gives me good advice and handy tips, it's been great for me."

James

Optical Assistant, Specsavers

Benefits for Employers

Support to meet the needs of the employer. Gain the best from your new recruit to meet the needs of the business.

Cost-Effective Solution

No additional cost to employers - all support costs are funded. You only pay normal wages once employed.

Improved Productivity

Tasks that are not being done or not done often enough can be customized into meaningful job roles.

Insurance & Support

We have insurance for our staff and provide ongoing support to identify and resolve any workplace challenges.

Team Benefits

All staff benefit from having a job coach who can assist with workplace challenges and improve team dynamics.

Ongoing Support

Long-term support is available throughout the worker's employment with regular check-ins and assistance as needed.

No Disability Knowledge Required

We help with understanding individual needs and work on a holistic approach so everyone can benefit.

"It's improved productivity and continuity, which has allowed a smoother running of the day. All my staff have felt the benefits of having a job coach in the store."

Claire

Manager, Specsavers

How It Works

Our structured approach ensures every intern receives comprehensive support throughout their journey to employment.

1

Initial Assessment

We identify suitability, interests, strengths, and support needs to match the right opportunity.

2

Employer Matching

We work with employers to match suitable candidates and customize job roles to meet business needs.

3

Workplace Integration

Job coach provides intensive support during the initial period, gradually building independence.

4

Sustainable Employment

Transition to paid employment with ongoing support to ensure long-term success.

Ready to Start Your Support Internship?

Take the first step towards meaningful employment with our comprehensive support internship programme.

Check Eligibility | Register Interest | For Employers