Supported Internship Programme

Liverpool City Council is currently working with DFN Project Search and looking to commission an experienced supported employment provider (SEP) to support Liverpool City Council's Supported Internship Programme. Supported internships are structured study programmes aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 with a learning disability and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), who want to move into paid employment and need extra support in order to do so.

The programme, based at the employer's premises, is intended to enable young people to achieve sustainable, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace. The internship lasts for a year, the young person will follow a personalised study programme, which will include the opportunity to study for job-relevant qualifications and English and maths at an appropriate level.

The young person and the employer will be supported throughout the placement by a job coach who will train the young person in the specific job role identified using systematic instruction (a step-by-step method specifically designed to help young people with learning disabilities learn new tasks). Supported internships prepare young people with learning disabilities for paid employment by: • Supporting them to develop the skills valued by employers • Enabling them to demonstrate their value in the workplace • Developing confidence in their own abilities to perform successfully at work.

We are also looking to develop a follow on job coaching offer to support young people who have gained employment previously through a supported internship. If they need support due to a change at work, to apply for a new job or a promotion.