Supported Internship Programme

The Supported Internship Programme is a partnership between St Helens College and St Helens Council, aimed at giving young people (aged 16-25) with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which could lead to future employment or voluntary work.

How long will it take to complete the programme?

The programme starts in September and runs over one academic year, giving interns the chance to experience a full-time work placement throughout the year.

What does the programme involve?

Each intern will attend a weekly work placement, gaining valuable skills and experience, as well as attending college one day a week, developing their employability and independence skills with their Job Coach and Employability Tutor.

In order to find the right placement for our interns, they will complete a Vocational Profile. This will focus on the intern's preferences of placement, taking into consideration any past experiences of paid or voluntary work. We will take into account students' strengths and abilities in order for the student to make a positive contribution in the workplace. We also accommodate the students' support needs within the working environment, ensuring these are met for all internships.

Am I eligible to join this programme?

To be eligible to join, the applicant will need to be aged 16-25, and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

If you do not have an EHCP, but feel you would be suitable for the programme, please contact either Andrew Rimmer or Dawn Simm to discuss this further (please see 'Additional Information' below for their contact details).

What support will I receive during my internship?

Each intern will be assigned a Mentor in the workplace. The Mentor will be the first point of contact if the intern needs any help or support or is experiencing any difficulties.

The Mentor will help the intern to learn and understand their job role and if needed, they will meet the intern each morning on arrival and explain their daily tasks and duties. As the role progresses and the interns get to know their role, this support may ease and may no longer be required.

The Mentor will work closely with the Job Coach and Employability Tutor to identify any areas of support that the intern may need in the workplace.

What are the benefits of completing this programme?

The intern will have:

• Increased their levels of confidence and independence
• The ability to develop new skills within an active work environment
• Demonstrated their value in the workplace and will feel like they are making a positive contribution
• Changed employers perceptions
• Changed their families' perceptions
• Gained valuable experience to add to their CV
• Improved their maths and English, making them more prepared for work
• Met new people and developed a wider social circle
• Gained financial independence, if placement has resulted in paid employment

Ref: Vicki Moss