Young adults with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) could soon be building valuable skills for life with an all-new supported internship offer being launched with Asda.
Stockton Riverside College is working with DFN Project SEARCH, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Asda Stockton, to deliver this unique opportunity.
Based in Asda’s Portrack Lane store, the supported internship will combine real work experience with daily classroom-based learning, focusing on employability and personal development skills.
“This is an amazing next step for young adults with an EHCP or Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Plan looking to build the skills to move into employment, achieve personal goals, or simply gain a greater level of independence,” said Alexa Lang, the college’s group head of SEND and high needs.
On the one-year supported internship learners will attend the store five days a week where their days will be split between classroom-based learning and time working on the shopfloor, supported by a job coach and department mentor.
Interns will also work towards the King’s Trust Certificate in Personal Development and Employability, as well English and maths qualifications, if these haven’t already been achieved.
The new initiative follows in the footsteps of a similar DFN Project SEARCH programme delivered by the college in partnership with Amazon. Now entering its third year, the Amazon supported internship is a proven formula for success.
“It is amazing to see the progress the young people make as their confidence develops and they reach personal milestones,” said Matthew Wigmore, the college’s King’s Trust supported internship course leader.
For some success might mean going on to secure paid employment, for others it can be building the confidence to travel into work independently or gaining the motivation to show up on time every day.
Matthew added: “Every achievement is massive for the individual and we are pleased to be able to play a part in that.”
Now bringing the new supported internship with Asda to Stockton, Sarah Palmer, programme specialist at DFN Project SEARCH said: “We are ecstatic to be welcoming this new opportunity to the area, working with our valued existing partners in the college and the council to expand into another amazing business.
“Asda has committed to creating transformational opportunities with DFN Project Search across the country and we can’t wait to see our interns’ journey here in Stockton.”
A spokesperson for Asda said: “Supported internships create valuable opportunities for young people with learning disabilities to develop the skills, confidence and experience they need as they take their next steps towards employment.
“We’re proud to work alongside partners such as DFN Project SEARCH and local colleges to create accessible pathways into employment and help more young people reach their potential.”
Working with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Stockton Riverside College delivers supported internships in a variety of roles and sectors. In the summer a supported internship graduation-style event hosted by the council recognised the achievements of supported interns from across the borough.
Councillor Clare Besford, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Stockton Riverside College, DFN Project Search and Asda to create more fantastic supported internship opportunities for young people across the Borough.
“These internships provide invaluable real-life work experience, helping young adults develop confidence, independence and the skills they need to progress into employment. We are proud to support initiatives like this which create meaningful opportunities and positive futures for our young people.”
Due to start this September, all applicants for the Asda supported internship must be aged 18 to 25 and have a current EHCP or a SEN Support Plan. You must have the desire and motivation to achieve paid employment and be able to travel independently or be willing to learn independent travel skills.
To find out more about the Asda supported internship or any of the supported internship opportunities delivered by Stockton Riverside College email: matthew.wigmore@the-etc.ac.uk
If you are an employer and think you can offer a placement to a student on a supported internship or would like to know more email: sensection@stockton.gov.uk
