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I have additional needs and need specialist support

A Supported Internship is a learning programme for young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

It involves spending time with an employer, learning skills, understanding the world of work and gaining experience. The young person is supported by a job coach and a workplace mentor, and will also complete a work-based qualification, along with English and maths.

If you need some advice and guidance for your young person traveling independently, please view our travel training advice and guidance.

At the end of the internship, the young person will be supported to find a paid job (if that’s what they want to do) or will get help to go on to further learning opportunities.

How do I get in touch?

To express an interest in becoming a supported intern, please complete this expression of interest form.

Expression of interest form

Further information can also be found on the Pure Innovations website.

For all other enquiries, contact [email protected]

If you feel the internship is not suitable for you or you/your son or daughter does not have a live Education, Health and Care Plan, please email the Skills and Work team at [email protected]

Skills for Life and Employment at Eccles Sixth Form College

A woman in a wheelchair with a man sat on a chair

The Skills for Life and Employment department at Eccles Sixth Form College provide a range of pre-entry, entry and level 1 courses for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The courses cater for students who have highly specialised support needs including peg feeding, tracheotomy maintenance, sensory impairment, profound mental health issues and degenerative life limiting conditions. Support is in built throughout these courses with a team of specially trained teaching staff and Support Assistants.

Find out more on the Eccles Sixth Form College website

The Manchester College with Pure Innovations

The Manchester College with Pure Innovations offer supported internships at:

  • Manchester City Council
  • Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Oxford Road and Wythenshawe Hospital)
  • MediaCity
  • Manchester Airport

Call 0161 804 4400 or email [email protected] for more information.

Digital Independent Specialist College (DISC)

Based at Holyoake House in Manchester city centre, DISC is a creative and digital studio providing supported work-based learning. DISC offer supported internships in the creative and digital sector. Email [email protected] for more information.

PINC College

PINC College provide supported internships in museums and art galleries, including:

  • Salford Museum and Art Gallery
  • Bolton Museum
  • Manchester Museum
  • Touchstones Rochdale
  • Macclesfield Heritage Centre

Choices College

Choices College provide supported internships in:

  • NHS healthcare settings
  • local organisations
  • private businesses

Oakwood Academy Sixth Form

Oakwood Academy Sixth Form offers supported internships in retail at the Oakwood Community Shop, based in Quayside, MediaCity. Interns will be supported to find additional work placements at other retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to further develop their skills. Call 0161 921 2880 for more information.

Chatsworth Futures

Chatsworth Futures offers supported internships in:

  • retail
  • leisure
  • horticulture
  • catering

Call 0161 921 2095 or email [email protected] for more information.

Bridge College

Ran in partnership between Bridge College, Project Search and Sodexo, Bridge College offers supported internships in:

  • facilities management
  • food services

Those interested in the course can apply through the college website.

Salford Supported Employment

In Salford, we believe people with a learning disability or autism deserve the same opportunities in life as their peers, including paid employment. We know that most people with a learning disability or autism can and want to work, as long as they have access to the right support.

We are no longer taking applications or referrals for the supported employment service. For alternative employment support please contact: [email protected] or call 07913 985 485.

About the service

Securing work can help individuals to build independence, confidence, and skills, as well as widening friendships and social networks, and being seen as a full member of society.

However, finding and sustaining employment can sometimes be tough for residents with learning disabilities or autism, but Salford Supported Employment is here to help. The service helps people with learning disabilities or autism to find a job and supports residents in the workplace to sustain employment. We work with a wide range of businesses and organisations, and provide support for both the employee and employer for as long as needed.

When Lisa began her journey with Supported Employment, she faced various challenges and didn't feel quite ready for paid work. However, with determination and the support of her key worker, she embarked on a journey to address these obstacles. Over the course of several months, Lisa accessed grants, managed her debts, received housing advice and childcare support. Despite initially feeling overwhelmed, Lisa quickly demonstrated her willingness to engage with the service and build positive relationships with everyone involved.

Once most of her barriers were addressed, Lisa expressed readiness to enter work. Within just a month, she secured a job offer at Growth Company and has been receiving commendable feedback from her managers and colleagues ever since.

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