Work
Supported Internships
Supported Internships
A Supported Internship is an unpaid work-based study programme that usually lasts for one year. It includes an extended work placement that lasts for at least 6 months.
You will take the first step from education into the workplace while gaining the skills you need to get a paid job.
Starting a supported internship
To start a supported internship, you’ll need to:
- be aged 16 to 24
- have an education, health and care plan (EHC)
What you’ll do as a supported intern
On a supported internship, you’ll spend the majority of your time in the workplace, developing your skills for employment.
A supported internship includes:
- an unpaid work placement of at least 6 months
- support from a qualified job coach
- a personalised study programme, including the chance to study a relevant qualification, if suitable, and English and maths to an appropriate level
Funding
You may be eligible for Access to Work funding.
The support you get will depend on your needs but could include a grant to help pay towards practical support with your work, including a job coach.
After your supported internship:
The aim of a supported internship is to prepare you for working in a paid job.
You could get a paid job at the same place you did your supported internship or you could look for a job with a different employer.
You could also carry on training by doing a traineeship or an apprenticeship.
Help and advice
You can get help and advice from:
Applying for a supported internship
You can apply for supported internships through your school or college.
