Supported Internship for young people with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP)
A variety of placement opportunities are available at AVIVA, City of York Council and LNER. The programme is suitable for students with Level 1 to Level 3 skills in English and maths.
What is involved?
Our offer of DFN Project Search Internships are based at AVIVA Insurance, City of York Council and LNER, all in the heart of York City centre. These programmes are designed to support the transition from education to lasting paid employment by equipping young people with the skills they need for work, through a combination of short classroom sessions and real on the job work experience.
As an intern you will get on-the-job training with a departmental mentor, with an expert job coach and college tutor heading up the programme, who are responsible for supporting both interns and their employers.
In term three, the focus is on job searching and support. The job coach will support Interns to find employment that utilises the skills and experience they have gained from the programme.
Entry requirements
You must be between 18 and 24 years old when the programme starts and have a current Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). You should also have a desire to enter employment full-time (or at least 16 hours per week).
You should have a good attendance record and be able to get to the Internship on time.
If you want to apply please complete the application form below:
What will I study?
The programme is a combination of daily classroom-based learning and on the job working. You will be in the classroom session between 9am - 10am where a range of employability skills are taught which can include:
- Employability skills
- Applying for jobs
- Creating a CV
- Interview techniques
- Well-being & self-advocacy
Plus, many more topics.
Between 10am - 3:30pm you will be fully immersed in your department, working alongside colleagues learning the processes and practising skills to equip you with a fantastic tool kit to prepare you for your working life. You will be supported by a tutor and a job coach throughout to ensure a smooth transition between education and employment.
Here's some quotes about the programme:
Harrison, current Aviva intern: “Working within Aviva and this internship has helped my confidence quite a good amount. I have been working with many different ages and being in such a different work environment compared to college has got me more used to a work environment overall.”
Holly Hudson, Aviva York Supported Internships Lead: “This initiative ensures we are celebrating the strengths of our communities and colleagues, alongside creating talent pathways into Aviva that are accessible for everyone, so all young adults can develop the employment skills they need to get ready for their futures.”
Method of delivery
The programme is delivered as a combination of taught classroom sessions involving tasks and discussions alongside on the job learning as part of a team within the host business. You will also receive relevant training in your department to build skills and knowledge specific to your role.
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal assessments as part of the programme, but you will be expected to create and present your progress in regular Employment Planning Meetings. These will form a portfolio to use in the future.
Good course combinations
This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this internship with other Vocational, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes.
Your next steps
The aim of the Project SEARCH Supported Internship is to secure full time (16+ hours a week) paid employment.
Please note that securing paid employment will result in the closure of your EHCP.
For more information please contact the Project SEARCH Coordinator, Rachel Fowler on Rachel-fowler@yorkcollege.ac.uk