How to apply for a supported internship?

Supported internships are designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) transition into the workplace.

They are all about discovering their potential and gaining valuable skills.

Here’s our guide for young people with SEND on how to apply for a supported internship (easy read can be found here):

Important note: Supported internships are currently only available to young people with SEND who have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP). However Internships Work is piloting supported internships for those without EHCP plans with some Local Authorities.

1. Explore Your Interests:

• Think about what you enjoy and what you’re good at.
• This will help you choose the right supported internship.
• Supported internships can help you build on your strengths.

2. Contact Your Local Authority:

• With the support of a parent, carer, family member, or adult you trust, you can contact your local authority (LA) to ask them about their supported internships offers.
• Every LA has a webpage called the “local offer.” You should be able to find it on your LA’s website.
• Your local offer has easy-to-understand info about what support is available (local resources, support, and opportunities) to help you make choices.
• As part of the Internships Work programme, your local authority is responsible to develop a “SEND Employment Forum.”
• This forum is designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) transition to work, including providing supported internships.

3. Talk to Your School or College:

• Speak to your teachers or career advisors.
• Let them know you’re interested in a supported internship.
• They can guide you on what to do next.
• Ask your parents or carers to contact your school or college to learn more about supported internships and help you with your application.

4. Attend Information Sessions:

• Different places do supported internships in their own way.
• If your school, college, or local authority puts on informative sessions about supported internships, go to them.
• They’ll explain what to expect and how to apply.
• Your parents or carer can attend these sessions with you to learn more and help you with your application.

5. Prepare Your Application:

• When you’re ready, fill out the application form.
• Your college or local authority will often give you the form and help you.
• The form might ask about your interests, skills, and why you want to do a supported internship.

6. Ask for Support:

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help with your application.
• Your parents, carers, family, friends, teachers, and career advisors can assist you.
• They can guide you on questions about your interests, skills, and motivations.

7. Attend Interviews or Assessments:

• Some places might invite you for an interview or assessment.
• It’s a chance for them to get to know you better.
• Your college or local authority can help you prepare for this meeting.
• Your family can practice questions with you to boost your confidence.

8. Stay Positive:

• Keep a positive attitude; supported internships help you learn new skills.
• Ask your college or local authority to connect you with students who have done supported internships.
• Learning from their experience can help you prepare.

Parents, keep encouraging your child. Your support means a lot and keeps them positive about this exciting experience.