Parents, carers and supporting adults.
Supporting your young person’s journey into paid employment.
As a parent, carer or supporting adult of a young person approaching the end of school or college, you might be wondering what comes next.
Here at DFN Project SEARCH, our supported internships are designed to help young people aged 16-24 with a learning disability and/or who are autistic develop the skills, confidence and relevant experience they need to move into meaningful, paid employment.
The experience has been amazing. They just treat you like the person you are. They give you that spotlight for you to do what you want to do, to thrive, to be the person you want to be.
– Jermaine, Intern and YAG member
What is a supported internship?
A supported internship is a one-year, work-based study programme that prepares young people for the world of work. Our supported internships combine learning with on-the-job experience.
Your young person will:
Gain experience in a real workplace
Be supported by a job coach, tutor and employer
Stay enrolled full time with their school or college
Learn essential independence & employability skills
Aim for paid employment after the programme
Who are supported internships for?
Our supported internship programme is for young people who:
Are aged 16-24
Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or equivalent
Have a learning disability and/or are autistic
Want to move into paid employment but would benefit from extra support
How does it work?
Our supported internships are delivered through a partnership between:
A host business (the workplace)
A school or college
A supported employment provider
The local authority
Your young person will complete three work placements (rotations) during the year, across different areas of the host business. This helps them try different roles, find out what they enjoy, and develop the confidence and skills needed for future employment.
What support will my young person receive?
We know that it can be difficult for young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic to move from education into employment. They might feel scared, apprehensive or unprepared – and you might too.
Our supported internships are designed for young people who want to move into paid employment but would benefit from additional support. It’s about providing the right support and guidance, leading to greater confidence and independence so they can unlock their full potential.
A job coach
Provides day-to-day support, helping interns to navigate the workplace and identify their strengths, interests and career goals.
A tutor
Supports learning and development that complements the practical employment experience, teaching crucial knowledge and skills for adulthood.
Workplace staff and mentors
Managers and mentors work alongside the job coach and tutor at the host business to train interns in different job roles and get them up to speed with working life.
A personalised approach
The support is personalised to each individual, responding to their interests, strengths and long-term career goals. As they become more confident and develop the skills they need for employment, the job coaches, tutors and mentors will work with your young person to decide when to gradually reduce support.
What will a supported internship help with?
A supported internship can help your young person to:
Gain real workplace experience
Build confidence and independence
Explore different career paths
Develop employability skills
Progress into paid employment
How is it funded?
Your young person will still be enrolled in full-time education, which means that the course is covered by EHCP (or equivalent) funding and often through the local authority. This also means that interns are not in paid employment, so they do not receive a wage during the programme.
What happens after the internship?
The long-term goal is for your young person to develop the skills and confidence to move into meaningful paid employment. They will be supported to explore job opportunities, craft their CV, apply for roles and prepare for interviews as they approach the end of the programme. Around 60% of our interns move into paid employment after completing their supported internship.
Your Child’s Timeline.
Age 0-24
Diagnosis (timing is unique to every individual)
Age 2–19
EHCP or equivalent support plan established
Age 2-24
Annual reviews with young person, family and professionals
Age 4-11
Primary school – building confidence and aspirations
Age 11-16
Secondary school – career exploration begins
Age 14-16
Transition planning, careers guidance and work experience
Age 14-19
Preparation for adulthood and greater independence
Age 16-24
College/Further Education – employability skills and work experience.
Education pathways completed and ready for a supported internship
Attend DFN Project SEARCH information and recruitment events, and explore vocational profiling to prepare for a supported internship.
Age 16-24
DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship (one academic year)
On Programme
- Three workplace rotations
- Employability curriculum
- Job coaching
- Family support
Throughout
- Skills develop
- Independence grows
- Job search starts
Graduation
Celebrate achievements and prepare for employment
Age 16-24+
Secure paid employment with follow-on job coach support if required
Age 25+
Sustainable full-time paid employment (16+ hours) with opportunities for career progression
Find a supported internship near you
If you would like to find a supported internship for your young person near you, explore our interactive map.
Search by postcode