The Supported Internship is a final-year programme for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan and are ready to take the next step towards employment.
As part of the Supported Learning Moving Out programme, the course is designed for learners who already have some experience, skills or interest in a particular sector such as hospitality, retail, creative media or office work and want to gain substantial real-world workplace experience with specialist support.
The programme focuses on preparing learners for working life by building practical employability skills, workplace confidence and independence.
Learners spend the majority of their time in work placements, supported by college staff and job coaches, helping them develop the experience and understanding needed to move into employment.
Alongside workplace learning, learners continue to develop English, maths and job-related skills to support their future progression.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
To join this course, learners must be aged between 16 and 24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Learners should be able to demonstrate skills, experience or a clear interest in a specific work sector and be ready to spend most of the week in a workplace setting.
The course is intended for learners who are working towards greater independence and are preparing to move into employment.
Before an application can be progressed, the Supported Learning department requires a consultation with the learners local authority. The SENCO at the learners current school can support this process and provide further guidance.
Assessment Method
Assessment on the Supported Internship is continuous and based on learners progress both in the workplace and in college.
There is no main qualification linked to the work placement itself, as the focus of the programme is practical workplace experience and employability development.
Learners also study Functional Skills English and maths, with progress assessed through practical tasks, coursework and tutor assessment.
Regular reviews help monitor progress and ensure learners are developing the skills needed for employment.
Aims of the course
The main aim of this course is to help learners develop employability skills that match their individual strengths, interests and career goals.
Learners build important workplace skills including communication, teamwork, timekeeping, problem-solving and understanding employer expectations.
The course also supports personal development by helping learners build confidence, independence and social skills that are essential for working life.
Through working in the community and within real workplace environments, learners develop a greater sense of inclusion, responsibility and readiness for employment.
Progression Opportunities
After successfully completing the Supported Internship, learners may progress into part-time or full-time paid employment or voluntary roles.
Some learners may continue to receive in-work support as they settle into employment and build confidence in their new roles.
The course is designed to support a realistic and sustainable move into work, based on each learners individual abilities, ambitions and support needs.
Facilities
Most of the course takes place in the community, with learners spending up to four days each week in an external work placement.
One day each week is spent at Lewisham College, where learners attend classroom-based sessions for tutorials, Functional Skills English and maths, and employability skills development.
Learners are supported throughout the programme by a course tutor, a Learning Support Worker and a dedicated job coach, who provide guidance both in college and in the workplace.
Additional specialist support is available from Speech and Language Therapists, safeguarding and behaviour staff, and other support services where needed.
Sensory and quiet spaces are also available within the department to support learners wellbeing.
Career Options
The job coach team works closely with each learner to identify suitable work placements and support progression into paid or voluntary employment.
Recent employer partners have included organisations such as Pristine Eats, Better Gyms and Circle Collective, although placements vary depending on learner interests, strengths and employer availability.
This programme provides a direct pathway into employment by helping learners gain practical experience, confidence and the workplace skills needed for future success.
