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This website is only one part of the Local Offer; we also have a directory which you can visit at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Supported Employment (Inclusive Apprenticeships and Internships)

On the left of the image, two people are learning how to cook, and on the right are two young people learning about hairdressing.

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 allow people to develop transferable skills and experiences.

They include:

We explain both in more detail on this page.

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:

You can ask the employer or training provider if the apprenticeship can be changed into an inclusive apprenticeship.

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. It includes:

Visit the Government apprenticeships website to find out more:

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:

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:

Supported internships can last between 6 months to 1 year.

The East Sussex Supported Employment Forum (SEF) have created two videos. The videos show the journey of young people on supported internship programmes. The videos features local employers, a parent and interns from local providers. Providers include:

You can find out more about East Sussex SEF on the main East Sussex County Council website:

Find a Supported Internship

There are various supported internships available in East Sussex.

For more information, please visit:

To find out if the internship is suitable, we recommend you contact the provider directly.

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:

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.

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