Supported Internship
Did you know that only 6% of adults with a learning disability in paid employment*? When you see beyond the additional needs, you will find a rich source of untapped talent.
Supported Internships are a one-year programme delivered through a blend of unpaid work experience and education for those between 16-24 years of age with Special Educational Needs, Disabilities (SEND) or Autism. It is for businesses that want to diversify and support young people with further needs into paid employment (full/part-time) upon completion.
Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills Team work with their partners Mencap and Solihull College and University to offer free recruitment services for local employers and supported interns.
What are the benefits?
- Savings on recruitment costs
- No employment costs for the entire internship (up to 12-months)
- Access to an untapped talent pipeline
- Shortlisting of potential future employees who are passionate about starting a career
- Clearly demonstrating a commitment to social values and ED&I and being an “employer of choice” – a competitive edge
- First hand feedback on your products/service from the SEND community to help improve your reach to potential customers
- Time to assess how potential employees can be a good match for the team
- Free education and training to complement the job role
- The services of a dedicated job coach and support for interviews or work trials
- The opportunity to offer employment to a trained individual at the end of the internship
What may be involved?
- Placements usually start working 12/15 hours a week over 2/3 days with formal training on the other days
- The number of working days can increase as the supported intern and the employer feel suitable
- A dedicated job coach will liaise with you and the intern to tailor the level of support needed
- You may need to make reasonable adjustments for the interns’ needs which can be as minimal as arranging a fixed workstation and usually no extra cost would incur
- You will have the option to offer a paid job to the intern when they complete the internship
What support can you get from our Employment and Skills Team?
- Access to a job coach and suitable support schemes on offer
- Shortlisting potential supported interns who are passionate about starting a career in the industry
- Liaising for interviews or work trials
Contact our team with 0121 704 6869 or employerengagementteam@solihull.gov.uk to learn more.
Useful links:
*Data sources: Measures from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF), NHS (2021-22)
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