Supported Internships

Step Up to Work is a Supported Internship aimed specifically at students with Education, Health and Care plans up to the age of 24 who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities the programme can help them on the path to success. Students will take part in an informal assessment as part of the application process. 

The programme has one primary aim, wherever possible, to support young people to move into paid employment.  The Supported Internship Team at Buxton & Leek College will work closely with the interns, their circle of support, and host employer to ensure optimal opportunity for successfully gaining paid employment (including, where appropriate, self-employment). 

A timetable for an intern could include: 

• Workplace Training with a Job Coach
• Mentoring to start a business
• Maths, English and digital skills development
• Personal and Social development
• Employability skills
• Job Club.

Learners are fully supported at the start of their work placement and gradually offered less support, so they become more independent through the systematic training carried out by the job coach.   

Students will also work towards developing their work-related and essential communication skills, Health & safety in the work and how to deal with common problems that may occur.  Throughout the programme students will develop their understanding of career options, search for jobs, prepare for interviews with a view of progressing into paid work on completion. 

A Supported Internship college certificate / Level 1 employment skills qualification (full RARPA where this qualification has already been achieved)

Employment

You will complete a portfolio of work which will be assessed, and you may have the opportunity to achieve nationally accredited qualifications or to develop specific individual targets through our College Certificate. You will also be assessed on your progress through a range of methods including speaking, listening, reading, writing, project-based learning, video, and photographic evidence.

No formal entry requirements are required.

All learners are considered on an individual basis and will take part in an informal assessment as part of the application process.