Northumberland County Council is launching a new Supported Internship programme for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  
 

Supported Internships provide the opportunity for young people with additional needs to develop the skills and confidence that will help them take their first steps on the career ladder.   
 

The council is part of a Department for Education (DfE) funded project to double the number of supported Internships nationally. 
 

As part of the programme, the council will offer at least eight supported interns an opportunity to experience work within Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service from September 2024. 
 

The programme will be delivered by the team at Northumberland Skills, the council’s post-16 learning provider, working with DFN Project SEARCH, which is a transition to work programme committed to transforming the lives of young adults with a learning disability and autism or both. 
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People, said: “Supported internships are a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain experience of the world of work and for organisations to experience the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce.  
 

“We’re pleased that the council and Northumberland Skills can now contribute to providing more of these life changing opportunities from September and we hope to expand the scheme further so that more employers will join us.” 
 

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They provide opportunities to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping young people with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace. 
 

Interns are enrolled and supported by a learning provider, but spend most of their learning time - typically around 70% - in a workplace setting. They’ll also have the support of a workplace mentor and dedicated job coach. 
 

The Northumberland County Council interns will have the opportunity to gain experience in a range of council service areas, including Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, gaining skills in customer service, administration and catering. 
 

Supported internships are just part of Northumberland Skills’ refreshed Local Offer to young people with SEND. Supported education courses are also available at their campuses in Alnwick and Prudhoe.  
 

Michael Burton, Head of Skills and Employability, Northumberland Skills, said: “Northumberland Skills is committed to offering an inclusive curriculum to ensure the best possible progress for all our learners, whatever their needs or abilities.                                                                                  

“The curriculum is designed to ensure our learners develop the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to prepare each learner for their life beyond education.” 

 

An Open Day for learners with SEND and their parents and carers will take place on Saturday 13th July from 10am-1pm at the Northumberland Skills Prudhoe campus (Fuse Media Centre, Moor Rd, Prudhoe NE42 5LJ). 

 

- Have a look around our campus 

- Discuss our Special Educational Needs curriculum offer 

- Apply for September 

- Ask any questions you have about learning, support and progression 

 

To find out more visit https://www.northumberlandskills.co.uk/