Essex to celebrate National Supported Internship Day 2024

Essex families are being encouraged to find out more about the benefits of Supported Internships this National Supported Internship Day.

The day takes place on Wednesday 27 March 2024 and is aimed at raising awareness of Supported Internships and the benefits they bring to young adults, their families, and businesses.

Supported Internships are available to 16–24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Their aim is to help young people move successfully towards permanent employment and adult life.

The chance of a young person with SEND becoming employed rises from 5% to 28% if they enter employment via a Supported Internship.

Supported Interns are enrolled with a local Further Education college, however, most of their time is spent learning in the workplace supported by a Job Coach.

Chelmsford resident Rafe started his Supported Internship Programme in the pharmacy department at Broomfield Hospital. He was a bright, eager young person ready to impress.

His role included delivering medication to the wards, ensuring all quantities were correct, picking it from stores, packing into a box ready to be delivered to the wards and scanning it onto the system.

Rafe worked hard every day, asking for new challenges, and showing more and more dedication to his work. He has now secured a permanent contract and works as a mentor and role model to a new intern in the department.

To mark National Supported Internship Day, an event will be held 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday 27 March at Aspire Café, Downtowner, Irvon Hill Road, Wickford, SS12 0AQ. There will be the opportunity to find out more information, meet colleges and employers and talk to students who have chosen the Supported Internship route.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Our ambition is for all young people to reach their potential and Supported Internships are a fantastic scheme helping young people to gain valuable work experience and to successfully transition to adult life. They also offer local businesses a source of new talent.

“I would encourage residents to come along to the event during National Supported Internship Week, find out more on our website, or talk to your local school or college about the opportunities available.”

Find out more about Supported Internships at https://www.essexopportunities.co.uk/questions/support-for-young-people-with-learning-difficulties-or-a-disability/.

Essex Opportunities Support for young people with learning difficulties or a disability