Supported Employment, Inclusive Apprenticeships and Internships
Supported Employment Pathways
A Supported Employment Pathway is an inclusive route for learners with additional needs. They offer support during transition onto vocational pathways or into meaningful paid work.
Supported employment programmes will enable individuals to develop transferable skills and experiences. This will help towards sustainable employment and appropriate pathways. For example, through supported internships, volunteering and independent living.
Programmes aim to develop independence, vocational and academic skills. They also aim to provide on-site work experience opportunities. You can find out more on the Careers East Sussex website:
Supported Inclusive Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a paid job which enables you to learn while you earn. You will normally spend about 4 days as an apprentice and 1 day with your training provider.
Supported inclusive apprenticeships are similar to other apprenticeships. However, the minimum requirements for English and Maths can start from Entry Level 3 qualifications. This aims to provide more opportunities for those with a learning difficulty or disability to access them. You will receive support with:
- Applications to become an apprentice
- Interview skills
- In work support, if needed
Ben (Supported Inclusive Apprentice):
"I like how I get to do more practical based work, as well as a mixture of education within the course."
The workplace can also make reasonable adjustments and for end point assessments.
They are available to individuals who are 16-24 years old and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They may also be available to those who used to have a Statement of Educational need. A Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship usually lasts 12-18 months. The Government have created a website which provides more information about apprenticeships:
Amazing Apprenticeships is a website that shares lots of information about apprenticeships. This includes helpful resources. There are resources for young people and their parent carers:
Supported Internships
Supported internships are a structured, full-time, work-based study programme. They are for young people who:
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP),
- have had previous work experience, and
- are keen to go into paid work of 16 hours a week or more.
Callum (Supported Intern):
"My Supported Internship has helped me to improve my confidence a lot. It has helped me come out of my shell."
The primary aim of a supported internship is to gain paid employment. This is preferably for 16 hours per week or more.
Interns will spend a large part of the programme in the workplace. This aims to equip them with the skills they need for work. The support of an expert job coach facilitates this.
Supported internship programmes will also help interns to:
- build confidence
- build self-esteem
- increase health and wellbeing
- gain friendships and support networks
Supported internships can last between 6 months to 1 year.
The East Sussex Supported Employment Forum (SEF) created two videos about supported internships. The videos talk about the benefits and experiences of this educational pathway. They include interns, employers and a parent:
You can find out more about East Sussex SEF on the main East Sussex County Council website:
Careers East Sussex
Careers East Sussex provides information on supported internships. The site also includes how to find local supported internships:
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)
NDTi have produced e-learning that provides an introduction to supported internships. The guide is interactive and can be a good place to start:
The NDTi website provides more information about internships:
BASE (British Association for Supported Employment)
BASE have created supported internship guidance in an easy read format. You can find out more by visiting the BASE website:
Additional Help and Support
Access to Work
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:
- a grant to help pay for practical support with your work
- support with managing your mental health at work
- money to pay for communication support at job interviews
The Government website provides more information:
East Sussex Local Offer on 1Space
You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. Services cover many topics, including employment.
Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms
We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.