Supported Internships - Buckinghamshire Adult Learning

Supported Internships

What is a Supported Internship

The Buckinghamshire Adult Learning Supported Internship is a partnership venture which prepares young people with disabilities for competitive employment.

We provide young people a springboard from education into the world of work, the supported internship is bespoke for each intern and is designed to develop transferable skills, knowledge and attitudes in preparation for paid employment. Through specialist training and direct work placements interns will develop employability skills, self-confidence, job specific skills whilst working alongside employees in a real employment setting.

The structured vocational programme, led by a team of qualified tutors runs from September to June and is based at Buckinghamshire New University in Aylesbury. Interns will study a Prince’s Trust Level 1 or 2 Personal Development and Employability qualification.

We also offer interns the opportunity to study functional maths and English at E3 – L2. Interns will also undertake a programme of bitesize training such as digital skills, self- management and communication skills delivered by the Job Coach, tutors, speech & language therapist and external guest speakers. These invaluable employment skills enrich the learning experience for each intern.

Interns will have the opportunity to work in different roles on a carousel during the academic year. Type of job roles may include:

• Office Administration
• Portering
• Catering
• Housekeeping
• Reception
• IT
• Education
• Early Years
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Animal Care

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for an internship you should be:

  • Aged 18–24 with a learning disability or autism
  • Have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Working at Entry level 3 – Level 1
  • Be able to develop good customer service skills and have a good work ethic
  • Be able to commit to the full length of the programme (September 2022 – June 2023)
  • Have Parents’/Carers’ support and aspiration for gaining work at the end of the internship
  • Be 18-24 years old on 31 August 2022
  • Be in your final year of education and ready to start work at the end of the Supported Internship
  • Undertaken a successful work placement at school/college
  • Be able to commit to a four-day week programme; total immersion in the workplace
  • Have an excellent record of attendance and behaviour at school/college
  • Be able to travel independently
  • Have a positive attitude to gaining new skills and receiving instruction
  • Be willing to follow the company code of conduct
  • Eligible to work in the UK

All Applications will be short-listed and invited to attend a skills assessment day where they will take part in a short formal interview and will be asked to participate in some given tasks. Successful applicants will be enrolled with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning at the start of September.

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What job roles will I complete as an Intern?

You will have the opportunity to work in at least three different job roles on a ten week carousel.

These may include:

  • Administration
  • Portering
  • Post-Room
  • Kitchen
  • Housekeeping

How do I apply?

If you would like to know more about the Supported Internship or would like to apply please contact:

Christie Lavery
Supported Employment Manager
Stony Dean School
01494 762538/07814 305444
clavery@stonydean.bucks.sch.uk

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Tom's Story

After attending Stony Dean School I joined the Buckinghamshire Supported Internship one year employability programme. My career aspiration was to become a software engineer as I’ve always been interested in computers and programming. During my time on the supported Internship, I was given the necessary qualifications and skills to excel in life. Upon completion of the Internship in June 2022 I successfully secured a Level 3 Junior Developer Apprenticeship in an area I always dreamed of.

Aaron's Story

After attending Stony Dean School Aaron joined the Buckinghamshire Supported Internship one year employability programme. Along side his Functional Skills studies, Aaron completed his work placement as a catering assistant at Stoke Mandeville Hospital throughout the Covid 19 pandemic. Aaron’s commendable work ethic and hard work led to an offer of a full time permanent position with Sodexo at Stoke Madneville Hospital where he still works today.