1st October 2024

South Devon College recently hosted the Supported Internship Information Event, with the aim of sharing information and knowledge around the College’s Supported Internships programme and how it can benefit local employers of all sizes. 

Invited guests and stakeholders were given an in-depth insight into the Supported Internships provision, which is for students aged 18 to 24, with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan), who want to move into sustainable employment and need extra support to do so.  

Within the provision, students receive relevant classroom learning and undertake work placements with the College’s network of local businesses, who work closely with them and their Job Coach to equip them with the skills and confidence needed in the workplace. 

Involvement in the Supported Internship scheme can benefit businesses of all sizes in many ways, including working alongside a loyal and enthusiastic intern who can bring a fresh perspective to the staff team. 

On the evening Alex Howarth, Head of SEND at South Devon College, welcomed guests and gave an insight into the provision at the College.  

There was then the opportunity for the visiting businesses to hear first hand from Supported Internship students on how the scheme has benefitted them and their future, alongside the staff who supported them and their employers. 

Sarah Blackler, Trainer Facilitator at Bridges into Work at South Devon College, said: “Through the Supported Internship programme, our students start to develop the mindset of an employable person, and develop skills such as problem solving, communication and using their initiative.  

“We get a lot of feedback from employers that the students work hard, they are motivated to succeed, and they overcome any barriers they have. At the end of the placement our students receive references from their employer, meaning they can then apply for other jobs.” 

Student Ben said: “I became a lot more confident during the Supported Internship work placement, having that exposure to a working environment and I definitely grew and developed as a person. I now work as a Bank Porter at Torbay Hospital.” 

Megan, another student who completed the Supported Internship programme, said: “I work in an office doing accounting, using accounting software, and I love it!” 

^{From left: former Supported Internship student Megan;, Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions and Apprenticeships at South Devon College; and former Supported Internship student Ben}

Shaun O’Connor, Facility Manager at Torbay Hospital, said: “Over the last 12 years, my staff and myself have learned from these students, which then goes back into the community when helping patients. They make us look at life differently. We all know that everybody can do something.” 

After a meal from the College’s training restaurant Horizons, it was time to hear from Department for Work and Pensions as speakers Lee Tozer, Melissa Bradburn and Janine Fadian raised awareness of various funding streams available for those in need in the workplace. 

Following this Jess Tucker, Head of Tutorial and Learner Progress at South Devon College, led a discussion on relational and restorative practice and the importance of work-readiness for students.  

^{From left: Sarah Blackler, Trainer Facilitator at Bridges into Work at South Devon College; Matt Harbour, Vice Principal at South Devon College; former Supported Internship student Megan;, Jess Tucker, Head of Tutorial and Learner Progress at South Devon College; former Supported Internship student Ben; Janine Fadian, from the Department for Work and Pensions; Ben Pountney, Head of Business Solutions and Apprenticeships at South Devon College; Lee Tozer, from the Department for Work and Pensions; and Alex Howarth, Head of SEND at South Devon College}

South Devon College SEND team is looking to build significant partnerships with local businesses of all sizes who can provide a meaningful two days a week work placement, to reach positive outcomes for both the business and the student. 

There are two strands to the Supported Internships – Bridges into Work concentrates on community placements within sectors such as hospitality and catering, animal care, retail and tourism, and Aspire is in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust with placements within Torbay Hospital. 

There are no cost implications for the businesses and placements are fully supported by the College staff. 

Sarah Blackler concluded: “Having a Supported Internship student brings an enormous benefit to employers – it can educate current staff members on how to interact with customers with disabilities. And it brings a sense of community into the workplace, and staff learn how to support each other.” 

For more information on Supported Internships, and to register your interest, please contact [email protected]