Supported Internships

What is a Supported Internship?

Our Supported Internships support young people (aged 16 to 24) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), based in Medway, Kent and the South East.

We offer 38-week Supported Internships that mirror school terms. Interns attend the workplace 4 days a week and spend 1 day a week improving their employability skills and independence skills.

They are unpaid and last for a minimum of six months. Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme.

Alongside their time at the place of employment, 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 are so successful because they offer realistic, challenging and purposeful work placements with exceptional and sustained support from the Job Coach.

Job Coaches identify all the skills the employer needs to have. By breaking down the job into clearly identified tasks, the Job Coach can work with the intern to teach all the necessary skills.  In addition, the Job Coach will help the intern understand and cope with the social aspects of work, such as workplace culture, timekeeping, working with other employees, health and safety, travel and using on-site facilities like the canteen.
As an intern with Forward2Employment, you will receive full support from a Job Coach.

Job Coaches will work alongside you every step of the way. They will help you develop the skills needed to perform and learn your role in the workplace so that you feel confident to perform the tasks safely and efficiently. They will help you to settle into your new work environment and build the confidence to make new friends at work. They will support you to travel independently and be your primary contact on a day to day basis.

The benefits of completing an internship with Forward2Employment are:
  • Employability skills – you will be able to explore pathways into the world of work and you will be able to develop the skills and qualities needed for success in work and everyday life e.g. to be reliable to get on with work colleagues, practice good timekeeping and attendance, willing to learn new tasks and follow instructions.
  • Independence skills – learn to travel from home to work with decreasing support from your Job Coach at your own pace and also learn the layout of the placement so that you are confident going to and from your workplace independently.
  • Communication skills – you will be able to practice good communication skills within the workplace with an emphasis on developing skills in working effectively as part of a team.
  • Social/Lifeskills – this will include time spent with other interns on this project as well as offsite activities.
  • Improve IT skills
  • Improved maths and English skills
  • Project management skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • A recognised work-based qualification
 

If you are interested in applying for a Supported Internship with Forward2Employment please download and complete the form below and email it to admissions@forward2employment.co.uk or complete the Online Enquiry Form here: https://www.forward2employment.co.uk/supported-internship/enquiry-form/

 

 

Visit our F&Qs page to find out more about what Supported Internship is.

Visit this link: https://www.forward2employment.co.uk/supported-internship/faqs/

Former Interns from Forward2Employment stated:
“Having a Job Coach to support us at the Royal Mail has helped because if I have any questions or am worried about anything my Job Coach helps. If I need any help with work I can ask my Job Coach”
James

“I have been supported very well by Tina (My job coach), during my time as an intern she has been a very good job coach to me I have been trained in all the jobs at Henry Schein. I am now an employee of Henry Schein thanks to the support of my Job Coach”.
Robert

A Former Intern’s Parent’s View of Forward2Employment
Click the drop-down menu ‘transcript’ to read the transcript of the video.
Transcript (click to expand)
Lesley: When I first heard about the Supported Internship programme I was very excited. It was my daughter’s school’s Sixth From night. I wanted her to stay at school, she wanted to leave and go to college. I wasn’t sure she was ready and the internship seemed like a very, very good alternative. The support Ellie and I received during the programme was phenomenal. She has a Job Coach with her working all the time. She was there for practical support and also for emotional support. The system worked very well. The impact the internship has had on Ellie has been inspirational. She’s gone from a school child to a very confident young woman. She’s completely independent now for her travel. She can look after herself and the fact that she earns her living is just wonderful. If I was speaking to parents of other SEN children considering this scheme, I would recommend it from the bottom of my heart. It’s been the making of Ellie. It’s absolutely put her where she needs to be. I think it’s worked far better for her than possibly college would have done.
How Forward2Employment Supported Internships can help you
Click the drop-down menu ‘transcript’ to read the transcript of the video.
Transcript (click to expand)
Narrator: Are you looking for the next step from education to employment? Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. We deliver a one-year programme made especially for young adults with an Education, Health and Care Plan. Helping to prepare you for the world of work. Our Supported Internships are work placements. They can lead on to paid opportunities in the Medway area. You don’t need qualifications. It’s all about boosting your skills to help you feel more confident and developing your independence. Our maths and English classes are part of this. The classes are delivered in a relaxed and safe environment. We work closely with businesses who provide a wide range of interesting placements for young adults. It’s our role to find just the right position for you. A position that best matches your interests, skills and aspirations. So, you can start your career in a placement that will inspire you, where you will learn new skills and grow in confidence.

Enquiry Form