We know that local authorities are at the forefront of raising expectations for the best possible outcomes for young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic at the point that they transition from education into employment. With the SEND Code of Practice stating that all young people with SEND should be prepared for adulthood, have you considered how supported internships could bridge the gap between education and employment?
As a DFN Project SEARCH local authority partner, you’ll play a vital, strategic role in developing inclusive employment pathways for young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or equivalent.
We’ll work alongside you to form one or more local strategic partnerships with a common purpose. These partnerships will include a professional host business, a college and a supported employment provider to effectively deliver our evidence-based supported internship model where, on average around 60% of our interns move into paid employment.
Why choose us as your supported internship partner?
By partnering with us to provide our supported internship programme, you can help ensure young people in your area have the opportunity to move into meaningful paid employment. By joining the partnership, you will:
Offer positive employment pathways
Support young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic to move from their existing provision into paid, sustainable work.
Deliver a proven model
Provide a model that is tried, tested, operates at scale and has a strong evidence base developed over more than 20 years through Project SEARCH.
Meet the needs of your local community
Address the employment gap for some of the most underrepresented young people in your area and empower them to contribute to the local community.
Access expert training and support
Receive high-quality training, resources and guidance for all organisations and staff involved in the partnership.
Show your commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Champion inclusive employment across your local area and improve employment outcomes for young people.
What’s involved?
As a local authority partner, you’ll help coordinate and support the development of our supported internship programme within your area. This may include supporting partnership development, aligning with local priorities, and helping identify suitable young people for the programme.
How does it work?
You’ll work in collaboration with schools, colleges, employers and supported employment providers to ensure the programme is embedded within local SEND offers and employment pathways.
What support do local authority partners receive?
You’ll be part of a collaborative partnership delivering our supported internship programme in your area, with access to our established programme model, guidance and shared best practice.
Interested in becoming a local authority partner?
Work with us to improve employment outcomes for young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic.