In autumn 2012 supported internships trials began at 15 colleges around England for young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who have complex learning difficulties or disabilities. The trials will test a study programme for supported internships that could be adopted by all further education colleges from September 2013.

 
A supported internship programme will provide a structured study programme, based at an employer, that is tailored to the individual needs of the young person and will equip them with the skills they need for the workplace. This will include on-the-job training, backed by expert job coaches to support interns and employers, and the chance to study for relevant qualifications – where appropriate.
The supported internships trial is part of the special education needs reforms as outlined in Support and Aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability: Progress and Next Steps.
 
 
The 15 colleges taking part in the supported internships trial are:

  1. Hull College (Kingston upon Hull City Council);
  2. Blackburn College (Lancashire);
  3. Mid-Cheshire College Of Further Education (Cheshire west and Chester Council);
  4. Shipley College (Bradford Metropolitan District Council);
  5. Stephenson College (North West Leicestershire District Council);
  6. Easton Otley College of Agriculture And Horticulture (Suffolk County Council);
  7. North Warwickshire and Hinckley College (Warwickshire);
  8. Seevic College (Essex);                                                        
  9. Plumpton College, Special college - Agriculture and Horticulture (East Sussex)
  10. East Kent College (Kent);
  11. Bexley College (London Borough of Bexley);
  12. Somerset College Of Arts And Technology (Somerset);
  13. Worcester College Of Technology, General FE College (Worcester City Council);
  14. Bicton College (Devon); and
  15. Queen Alexandra College (independent specialist provider (Birmingham City Council).

Evaluation

Alongside the trials we are also carrying out an evaluation. The evaluation, combined with the increased flexibilities we are introducing to post-16 funding arrangements, will enable us to provide colleges across the country with a clear set of principles and good practice to draw from. All colleges will therefore be able to offer supported internships from September 2013 if they want to.