SEND
Supported internships transform the lives of SEND
students Cameron - Supported Intern at Decathlon M
ilton Keynes College is working with students with disabilities, including autism, ADHD, cerebal palsy, global delay and moderate learning difficulties to help them obtain and remain in employment. In our first feature this month, Pippa Bruckland, Supported Internships Specialist at the College speaks about the positive impact that internships are having on young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“Five years ago, employment rates for young people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions hit an all-time low of less than 15%. The government responded to this by establishing Supported Internships, a structured study programme designed to enable 16-24 year olds with SEND to achieve sustainable paid employment.
“A productive working life is central to a young person’s progress and future. The National Audit Office estimates that supporting one person with a learning disability into employment could, in addition to improving their independence and self-esteem, increase that person’s income by between 55 and 95 per cent.
“Supported Internships aim to increase opportunities for young adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and unlock their potential, helping to prepare them for work. Interns undertake a sixteen hour per week placement with their chosen organisation. The work is unpaid, and they are effectively providing an on-the-job interview to the employer, with a high likelihood of permanent employment upon completion.
Finding opportunities
“Milton Keynes College first trailed Supported Internships in 2015/16 and has seen a steady stream of success to date, with nine students gaining permanent employment in the 2016/17 College year, and an increasing number of young people signing up to take part in the programme each year. But engaging with employers hasn’t been an easy task. I initially approached smaller businesses, who I thought would be friendlier and more flexible, but unfortunately many didn’t have the capacity for further placements. I also realised early on that these businesses wouldn’t be backed by an experienced HR team, which is essential in supporting the programme. “Approaching bigger brands that have a constant turnover of jobs, I had much better success. Tesco, Bosch, Holiday Inn and Currys PC World are among those supporting the College to create life-changing opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. “I have a direct approach to the programme and start off by finding out what employers need, in order to match them with the students who have the ability and passion to do the job. I don’t just ask the questions either, I go into the places of work and experience for myself what the interns are required to do, it is the only way, I feel, to truly understand the job and to enable me to accurately match the correct student to each available role.
Supporting SEND students into employment “Interns on the programme comply with real job conditions, such as time keeping and dress code. Where appropriate, learning at the employer uses
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www.education-today.co.uk October 2017
systematic instruction, a method specifically designed to help people with complex learning difficulties learn new skills. For the young person, the job must fit with their vocational profile, contribute to their long-term career goals and be flexible enough to address any potential barriers. The intern must also complete academic qualifications including English, maths and employability. For the employer, the interns must fill a genuine business need. The main aim of the programme is for the young person, where possible, to end up in paid employment.
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