Celebrating National Supported Internship Day
Today (27 March) is National Supported Internship Day!
Here at Farnborough College of Technology we started a programme of Supported Internships six years ago. This was after we identified a lack of opportunities and support for young people who had completed their courses and were progressing into adulthood. Data shows that just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of employment, whilst the employment rate for people with a learning disability has fallen to 4.8%. We are delighted that over 70% of students on our Supported Internships progress into paid employment.
What is a supported Internship?
- A study programme for young people aged between 16-24 who need extra support getting into work
- Based mainly with an employer (up to 3 days a week) in the 2nd and 3rd term
- Interns spend three days a week in Term 1 at college and one day a week in Terms 2 and 3 consolidating their maths, English and employability skills
- Designed to give students real skills in the workplace with the aim of finding paid work at the end of the internship
- Interns will count as full-time students at the College
The Supported Internship is:
- For learners with an Education Health Care Plan
- Based on place and train approach to learning
- Meeting the career goals of young people
- Meeting the business need of an employer
- On-the-job training, with the support of a job coach
Outcomes
In the six years since the start of the programme, the Internship has grown and demonstrated increasing success rates. The College now employs two job coaches who work with the students and the employers to ensure a successful outcome.
- Employment with placement employer – only if jobs are available this will be reviewed after three months
- Employment with alternative employer – during the last two months of the programme students will be supported to apply for jobs.
- Voluntary work
- An apprenticeship option with an employer (if relevant academic qualifications have been met)
- A young person with a sense of worth, who has well developed personal, social and employability skills
(National Autistic Society 2021)
Employment Rates for People with Disabilities 2021-22 (British Association for Supported Employment (BASE 2023)
