Could Supported Internships Transform Employment for Young People with SEND?
For many young people with SEND, leaving education can bring a difficult question:
"What happens next?"
This week, a Government review into young people and work highlighted the potential of supported internships to help more young people with SEND move into employment.
The review, led by Alan Milburn, is calling for supported internships to be significantly expanded as part of a wider response to rising youth unemployment.
What is a supported internship?
A supported internship is a structured programme designed to help young people with SEND move towards paid employment.
They typically involve:
Real workplace experience
Job coaching
Support to develop workplace skills
Help with applications and interviews
Support from education providers and employers
The programmes are aimed at young people aged around 16–24 who face significant barriers to entering employment.
Why is this in the news?
The current number of supported internship places is relatively small.
There are around 4,500 supported internship places nationally, and concerns have been raised that many young people who could benefit from them are not able to access a programme in their local area.
The review argues that this needs to change.
One reason is the difference supported internships can make when young people receive the right support.
The Guardian reported that some providers have achieved employment outcomes of up to 70%, although the Department for Education's official evaluation found that around 48% of supported interns moved into paid employment.
Why does this matter for parents?
Parents often spend years fighting to ensure their child receives the right support in education.
But SEND support shouldn't stop being relevant when a young person leaves school.
For young people with SEND, the transition into adulthood can involve questions around:
Employment
Further education
Independent living
Social care
Benefits
Skills for adulthood
Community participation
An EHCP can play an important role in preparing young people for adulthood.
This is why Preparation for Adulthood should not be treated as something that suddenly becomes relevant when a child reaches 16.
When should parents start thinking about employment?
Earlier than you might think.
That doesn't mean every child needs a career plan at primary school.
It means parents and professionals should gradually begin thinking about the skills a young person will need to become as independent as possible.
This might include:
Communication
Can they communicate their needs and preferences?
Independence
Can they manage everyday tasks with an appropriate level of support?
Travel
Could they eventually develop skills for travelling independently?
Work-related skills
What are their strengths and interests?
Confidence
What support helps them participate in unfamiliar environments?
The importance of the EHCP
For young people with an EHCP, Preparation for Adulthood should form part of the conversation as they get older.
Parents can ask:
What are my child's aspirations?
What skills do they need to develop?
What support will help them become more independent?
What opportunities are available locally?
Could a supported internship be appropriate in the future?
SEND Sights takeaway
Young people with SEND should not be defined by what they cannot do.
The growing focus on supported internships highlights the importance of giving young people genuine opportunities to develop skills, gain workplace experience and move towards paid employment.
For parents, the message is simple:
Start thinking about your child's future based on their strengths, interests and aspirations—not simply their needs.
This article provides general information and does not constitute employment, education or legal advice.