Internships

To be eligible you must:

• be aged 16 to 24
• have an EHCP
• have a learning disability, learning difficulty or autism 
• have aspirations to work but might struggle with the demands of a supported internship with 300 hours of work experience

The programme will:

• introduce you to new experiences
• help you engage with employers
• help you complete placements
• consist of 1-to-1 and group activities

You'll work on projects that affect your local community. They will give you chances to:

• work as a team
• build your confidence
• learn new work-related skills
• develop your communication skills
• deliver an outcome or product

During workshops you will:

• develop an understanding of employment
• raise aspirations around employment
• understand the importance of a CV
• understand supported internships
• get life skills
• receive support to manage your money

When you engage with employers, you will take part in:

• employer 'speed-dating' events
• events with employer guest speakers
• visits to employer premises, site visits or work tasters
• opportunities to source work experience placements

Through individual support, you will:

• get a vocational profile
• be given wellbeing support
• build your own CV
• get job coaching (for work experience placements) 

If you are ready to progress straight onto Mencap’s supported internship programme (or from mid-September you have completed the pre-internship programme). A supported internship is a full-time study programme.

It includes at least 300 hours of work experience, supported by a job coach where required.

To be eligible, you must:

• be aged 16 to 24
• have an EHCP
• have a learning disability, learning difficulty or autism 
• aspire to work and be able to complete 300 hours of work experience
• be able to travel and ideally work independently by the end of the programme

You will get a custom support package. It will follow an assessment and a plan. You'll work with Mencap staff to complete a ‘vocational profile’. It will outline the work skills you have and want to develop.