Supported Internship

If you have an Educational & Health Care Plan (EHCP) or a learning difficulty/learning disability, our preparation for supported employment or supported internship could be ideal for you.

Preferably, you will have been studying at the college for at least one year, be aged 17-24 and have a real ambition to progress into paid or voluntary employment in the future. It is also very important that you have a positive attitude towards work and are keen to develop new skills.

The Supported Internship is an ideal choice for young people who are thinking about making the transition from education to employment but would like a little extra support to do so.

A dedicated job coach will accompany you to your placement, supporting you to learn your new role and helping your workplace to make reasonable adjustments.

On this course, you will spend up to 3 days a week at an employer’s premises, which helps you to develop your independence, learn new skills and grow in confidence. While in college, you will spend time working on your maths and English skills as well as participating in weekly employability sessions to boost your skills even more. You will look at how to create a CV, how to conduct a job search and interview techniques and skills, preparing you for the world of work. During your in-college sessions, you will have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your week and meet up with fellow interns. You will be supported by a Job Coach throughout all these experiences and in the workplace.

The desired outcome is for you to gain meaningful, paid employment of 16 hours or more per week. Additional or alternative positive outcomes include progression on to an apprenticeship, voluntary work, and independent living.

We have links with many employers across Warrington, with previous students having completed placements with employers such as Warrington Borough Council, Amazon, Warrington Market, Waitrose, Engine Rooms at Birchwood Park, Balfour Beatty, and Waitrose.

Although we have a number of well-established placements ready to accommodate interns, we are happy to work with you to find more personalised work placement opportunities to ensure you complete your placement with a local employer that suits your career preferences and ability.

You will be allocated a Progress Coach in addition we can offer the following if applicable;

• 1:1 in class support
• Lunchtime and breaktime supervision
• Meet & greet on entering and leaving the college
• Mobility support
• Exam access arrangements
• Orientation Modification of learning materials
• Specialist resources

We also have a welfare team that are on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help you during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

Our Supported Internship coordinators, tutors, and job coaches will be there to support you every step of the way. They will arrange your placement, employer visits, and work trials, and will provide 1:1 practical support if you need it.

We work closely with employers and the local authority to ensure this course provides the best employment opportunities for young people with EHCPs.

We have excellent student satisfaction with 100% of learners saying they are happy with the course and would recommend it to a friend.

You should be between 17 and 24 years old, however we recommend that you are 18+.

You should have an active EHCP.

You should be willing and able to work 16 or more hours a week.

It is an advantage if you can travel independently.

Any costs for trips and visits or any PPE required will be notified in advance and all costs are kept to a minimum to ensure all learners can participate. Help is available if learners are in receipt of a bursary.