SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS: ACCESS TO TALENT FOR EMPLOYERS

Recent studies show that when choosing which brands to buy from or which companies to work for, most people prefer organisations that actively give back to the community. One way that businesses can build social value is by growing more inclusive workforces. And employers like Schuh, The Everyman, University of Liverpool and Open Awards are setting a fantastic example in our region.

By using Liverpool City Council’s supported internships, these organisations create opportunities for young people with additional needs to undertake work placements. Thanks to a comprehensive support package for both the employer and the intern, many of these placements lead to permanent employment. 

These young people, many of whom are neurodiverse, have a wealth of specific skills and abilities, such as creative problem-solving and attention to detail, that they can put into practice in the right supportive work environment. A supported internship can change a young person’s life while helping businesses access new talent.

What is a supported internship?

A supported internship effectively prepares 16-to 25-year-olds with additional needs for employment and careers. The interns are enrolled full-time at school or college. Alongside their studies, and with their job coach, they take part in a work placement a few days a week, lasting between six and 12 months. Interns’ skills are matched to those that employers are looking for.

The programme develops workplace skills and independence. Meanwhile, an employment support job coach guides the employer and the intern every step of the way. Ultimately, the aim is for the interns to gain meaningful paid employment.

Why get involved?

We encourage businesses to use the supported internship programme as a tried-and-tested way to diversify their workforce. Diversifying your workforce brings a far broader range of skills, perspectives and approaches into your organisation. Providing work placement opportunities and helping young people overcome barriers to employment are direct ways of making a difference.

It’s a job seeker’s market right now. Liverpool City Council’s supported internship programme can be another tool in your recruitment toolkit, connecting you with talented individuals whom you may otherwise not come across.

Getting involved with supported internships clearly demonstrates your organisation’s goals for inclusion and equity. As a result, you enhance your reputation as an employer, which employees, potential recruits and customers will notice. When employees witness inclusivity first-hand, workplace culture and staff morale often improve. And that’s not all; by working alongside a supported internship job coach, managers develop their skills in inclusive leadership.

Elly Jackson, Project Coordinator, said:

“Many of the young people who take part in supported internships have valuable skills and strengths to offer employers. With expert support throughout the placement, businesses can build confidence in inclusive recruitment, access new talent and often discover abilities that might otherwise be overlooked. We would encourage any employer interested in strengthening their workforce and making a positive impact in their community to get in touch and find out more.”

Is a lot of input required from the employer?

While employers have a role in the success of any placement, they have a wealth of support to tap into, and the benefits are well worth the effort. Here are seven examples of the kind of support and guidance available:

1. Any employer can find out more by attending a free awareness-raising webinar delivered in partnership with Knowsley Council 
2. Managers and supervisors can take part in free CPD-accredited Neurodiversity Champion training 
3. Each placement comes with a dedicated job coach who helps interns understand the employer’s workplace expectations 
4. A job carving analysis will match an intern with the right tasks and responsibilities 
5. The intern and the employer can access on-the-job support for the duration of the placement 
6. If an intern moves into employment, support can continue if needed 
7. Employers will have one main contact throughout the process, with regular reviews to track progress and address any issues 

Employer commitment

Your involvement can make a real difference for a young person facing barriers to employment. The Intern to Work team will ask for a few simple things from you:

• Provide a safe, supportive workplace and be open to reasonable adjustments 
• Take part in review meetings and set aside time to support the intern’s development 
• Nominate a workplace supervisor or mentor, and work closely with the intern support team 

What else do you need to know?

Supported internships are available to young people with a range of support needs. Some have specific needs, which are described in a document called an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Depending on their needs and whether they have an EHCP, interns may access the programme in various ways. The employer process remains the same: the Intern to Work team provides ongoing training, support and help to ensure placements succeed.

Employers are carefully matched with interns to achieve the best outcomes.

Find out more

View case studies on the Intern To Work YouTube channel.

You can submit an expression of interest to offer an internship, or email any questions to [email protected].