Engagement events to showcase supported internships

Cheshire East Council is holding two engagement events ahead of National Supported Internship Day (27 March) to highlight the life changing benefits of supported internships for young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The first session takes place at Crewe Municipal Building on Tuesday 24th March, 5.15–6.30pm, followed by a second event on National Supported Internship Day itself on 27th March at Macclesfield Town Hall, from 9.45–11am.

Supported internships match a young person with an EHCP to an organisation, which usually lasts for 12 months with the individual being fully supported by a job coach at the place of work. The job coach trains the intern to do the job, building on skills, confidence and independence.

The scheme, has been running in Cheshire East since 2019, with 216 young people having completed the scheme since the programme’s inception, and 59 per cent of these interns have progressed into paid work.

This year follow-along support has also been incorporated to ensure interns are supported for at least 12 months after completing the programme.

The scheme provides meaningful work placements combined with on-the-job training and employability skills, enhancing interns’ skills and confidence. The ultimate goal is to secure paid employment within 12 months. Interns are fully supported by job coaches throughout the 12-month programme, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.

Businesses which have benefitted from a supported intern through the scheme include Siemens, Crewe Hall, and Everybody Health and Leisure.

Ahead of the national day, the council will also share additional resources with young people, schools and colleges, including testimonial videos, presentations and information packs explaining how the scheme works.

Employers can access free online training modules on the Cheshire East Council website, covering:

• Understanding Supported Internships
• Myth-busting
• Reasonable adjustments
• Autism awareness
• Access to work funding
• Inclusive Recruitment

These modules are designed to help employers feel informed and confident when recruiting individuals with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East’s children and families committee, said:

“This hugely important scheme is highly beneficial to young people with an EHCP who need that unique first-hand
experience, transferable skills and confidence building which they may struggle to find elsewhere, so it’s crucial we spread news of the scheme far and wide.

“We’ve seen some amazing success stories from individuals who have gone on to secure paid work which has helped to encourage their independence and boost employability skills – so it’s key that we take the time to celebrate National Supported Internship Day to promote the placement opportunities on offer.

“I’d urge residents with young people with an ECHP to come along to one of the sessions and find out more, alongside any employers who are looking for additional support where they can find the perfect match for their organisation.”

Residents can: 

sign up to the engagement session in Crewe via this link  

...or: 

register for the Macclesfield Town Hall session 

...on 27th March.

More about the supported internships scheme can be found here: 

Cheshire East Council website.