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This website is only one part of the Local Offer. We also have a directory listing SEND-specific services. Visit our directory at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Employment (Apprenticeships and Internships)

An image on the left showing two individuals, one helping the other learn while reading a book. On the right, there are two people working on repairing a car. Above both images, is a painting of a young person horse riding.

Pathways into Employment

There is no single “right” pathway into work. Many people move between pathways. You can start small, get support, and progress at your own pace.

Pathways include:

With these pathways you can move in any direction and get support at any stage. It’s okay to take things step‑by‑step.

If you need help choosing your next step:

Work Experience

Work experience allows you to:

Work experience can sometimes lead to jobs, apprenticeships or further training. You can find out more on the Careers East Sussex website:

You can move from work experience into any of the other options highlighted on this page.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are for people aged between 16 to 65. They offer individuals the chance to develop skills that will make them more employable in the long-term.

Apprenticeships can be a good choice whether you're:

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You're an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. To start an apprenticeship, you need to be 16 or over and there is no upper age limit.

There are lots of websites that provide more information and resources and apprenticeships:

Inclusive Apprenticeships

Inclusive apprenticeships aim to provide more flexibility for those with SEND to access them. However, the minimum requirements for English and Maths can start from Entry Level 3 qualifications. They can sometimes be referred to as supported apprenticeships.

During the apprenticeship, you can ask the employer / training provider:

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."

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:

Apprenticeship Funding

Apprenticeship funding is financial support for employers. It aims to cover the costs of training provider fees and assessing apprentices. It is provided by the government.

It is for:

It does not cover an apprentice’s salary or day-to-day wages.

Please note, the funding and guidance is aimed at employers. There is no guarantee the funding will be granted.

Young people / parents may still find the guidance useful to read:

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.

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:

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 interactive e-learning that provides more information on supported internships. The guide works as an introduction, with some more in-depth information too:

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:

Connect to Work

Connect to Work is free and voluntary for:

It offers:

You can find out more on the Careers East Sussex website:

This route can be used alongside training, experience or work.

ESTAR (Employability and Skills Support)

ESTAR offer:

You can find out more about ESTAR on the Careers East Sussex website:

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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