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Supported Internship

Do you have the desire and motivation to leave College and gain Paid Employment?
Develop the Skills and Confidence You Need for Paid Employment with a Supported Internship!

A Supported Internship is a tailored work experience program designed for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 16-24 years old with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This course offers a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world work experience, improve their employability skills, and increase their chances of securing paid employment and leaving education.

The course entails one day at Petroc College where you are taught about employability skills, followed by on-the-job training, with mentorship and personalised support, preparing you for the workplace in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Key Features:
? Work-Based Learning: Real, hands-on experience within an actual business environment.
? Personalised Support: One-on-one Job Coaching from a Petroc College Job Coach and tailored workplace adjustments.
? Skills Development: Build essential job-specific skills and transferable soft skills.
? Duration: Typically 6-12 months.

Why Choose Our Supported Internship Course?
This Supported Internship course is designed to ensure you are workplace-ready, with a focus on building practical skills in a real-world setting. Our course combines a blend of work placements, professional training, and educational support to give you the tools you need to succeed.Through our partnership with local businesses, you will have the chance to work in a variety of roles, including administration, retail, hospitality, and more, depending on your interests and career goals.

Key Benefits:
? Industry Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive work environment.
? Job Coaching: Receive continuous guidance from experienced mentors who help you thrive in the workplace.
? Workplace Adjustments: Benefit from tailored adjustments to help you succeed, such as flexible hours or assistive technology.
? Travel Training: Tailored support to increase your independence learning how to use public transport, plan a route and improve your confidence using other modes of transport.
? Transition Support: Receive guidance in securing permanent employment or further supported employment opportunities once the internship ends.
? Accredited Training: In some cases, you may also earn recognised qualifications during your course for your work placement.

Who Can Apply?
The Supported Internship course is for students aged 16-24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. You should be ready to take the next step into employment but with the need of additional support to build skills and confidence to do so.

How to Apply:
? Complete the online application form.
? Submit a copy of your EHC plan and any other required documents (e.g., references, CV).
? Participate in an introductory interview to discuss your needs and career aspirations.

Course Structure: What to Expect
The course is a structured combination of in-class learning and practical work placements. You’ll spend the majority of your time in a real work environment, gaining hands-on experience in your chosen field. Below is a typical breakdown of the course structure:

Course Breakdown:
? Work Placements (80%): Gain experience in a real business environment, where you’ll take on tasks related to your chosen field (administration, retail, hospitality, etc.).
? Classroom Learning (20%): Receive off-the-job training in subjects like job-searching, CV writing, interview techniques, and workplace behavior. Maths and English Language development or have the opportunity to sit your GCSE’s to try and achieve Grade 4 in either of these subjects.
? Job Coaching & Mentoring: Ongoing support from a job coach or mentor throughout your placement, ensuring you thrive in your work environment.
? Specialised Support: Tailored adjustments to meet your individual needs.

Employability Focus: Transition to Paid Employment

The goal of the Supported Internship course is to help you transition into permanent, paid employment. Our course offers tailored support, including job search assistance, interview preparation, and guidance on securing a job after your internship ends. In some cases, you may be offered a permanent role with your placement employer but this is not guaranteed.

Key Focus Areas:
? Job Readiness: Prepare for the world of work with both technical skills and soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
? Employer Partnerships: Work placements with local employers who understand and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments.

Student Support: How We Help You Succeed

At Petroc college, we understand that every student is unique, which is why we offer personalised support to ensure you thrive throughout your internship. You’ll receive tailored job coaching, regular check-ins, and the support you need to feel confident in the workplace.

Support Offered:
? Job Coaches & Mentors: Receive dedicated support from a trained job coach throughout the course.
? Personalised Adjustments: Support for learning needs, including assistive technology and workplace adjustments.
? Wellbeing Support: Access to additional support services for mental health, wellbeing, and personal development.

Apply for this course

Select from the start date/s below…

Sep 2025 : North Devon : Full-time
Course Code : FTB243 (2025) Add to favourite list
Level : Entry Level
Duration : 1 Year
North Devon Campus Apply
Sep 2025 : Tiverton : Full-time
Course Code : FTT001 (2025) Add to favourite list
Level : Entry Level
Duration : 36 Weeks
Tiverton Campus Apply

Course details

Assessments

Learners will have the opportunity to work towards grade 4’s in Maths and English if not already achieved. This will be done through formal exams. The course itself will be recorded by a work placement log book which will be evaluated by the learner’s mentor in the workplace and the job coach.

Entry Requirements

For all learners joining Entry Level Study Programmes, there are no formal entry requirements, however you will have a one-to-one interview to discuss your personal learning needs. You will also be required to study English and Maths at an appropriate level to suit your ability.

Criteria:

? Age: 16-24 years old.

? SEND: Must have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan.

? Commitment: Motivated to gain work experience and pursue employment.

? Needs: Require additional support to gain job-specific skills or integrate into a work environment.

Progression

The aim of this programme, is for learners to move into paid employment, further training, supported employment or an apprenticeship.

Study Programme

Every full-time student at Petroc will have their own Study Programme which will include:

– Your academic or vocational qualification.

– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.

– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.

– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.

– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.

– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.

Why Petroc should be your first choice

Petroc offers quality education and training across North and Mid Devon. We aim to provide outstanding learning, excellent facilities, strong connections to employers and a supportive environment to help you fulfil your education goals and set you on your path to the career of your dreams.

two smiling students walking down a corridor

SUPPORTIVE

We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where you can flourish and feel a valued member of the college and wider community. 

INSPIRING

Our teaching spaces and facilities are some of the best in the region, providing stimulating and true-to-life learning environments. 

CONNECTED

We’ll provide you with the experiences you need to be ready for employment or the next step on your educational journey.

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