Supported internships - everything you need to know

Through Health Education England, there is a Supported Internship programme for people with learning disabilities, difficulties or autism (LDDA). NHS Health Education England, support NHS Trusts to deliver the programme nationally. Their focus is 'work readiness' and matching skills to employment. 

The project teams ensure there are placements across the NHS Trusts looking specifically at entry-level jobs to make sure the right learner is allocated to this role. They also work closely with managers to confirm that tasks are clearly understood. The programme also offers training to staff to become work-based mentors, working alongside and supporting learners.

The young people spend a year within their internships accessing where possible three separate placements, which each span 10-12 weeks. In their placement they are embedded within the team. During this time the team will look at any barriers and potential areas of development. Throughout, the learners are gradually assessed on how ready for employment they are. The scheme incorporates a work experience element supported by the NHS Trusts and gives students an opportunity to develop skills for the workplace and ensures young people with LDDA understand the importance of matching their skill sets to work, whilst still in education.