Supported Internships Fair coming up at Eliot Park

"In Warwickshire, we are absolutely committed to helping young people with SEND to reach their full potential."

Following the success of the inaugural fair at Compton Verney in November, Warwickshire County Council will hold its second Supported Internships Fair next month.

Taking place on Thursday 14 March 2024, 3pm to 7pm at Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire County Council’s Supported Internships Fair will give young people with a special educational need and/or disability (SEND) and their families and carers, along with local businesses and education providers, a first look at new guidance developed to provide improved information on supported internships.  

Supported Internships are work-based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move into employment, but need some extra support.  As well as giving young people the opportunity to develop the transferrable skills and knowledge needed for a paid job, supported internships can also help with improving confidence, self-esteem, and a social life. 

But the benefit is two-way. Businesses who have hosted supported interns have reported cases of improved staff morale, reduced sickness and a dedicated and capable intern. Local businesses thinking about hosting a supported internship will be able to discover what is involved in hosting an intern and how they will be supported to develop a successful programme.  

There will also be the chance to learn about the outstanding provision that already exists, network with other local businesses and hear first-hand how offering a supported internship programme can have a positive impact on all employees, as well as the young person. 

Representatives from local colleges and employers already offering supported internship programmes will be on hand to answer questions and offer valuable information and advice. 

Cllr Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy, said: "In Warwickshire, we are absolutely committed to helping young people with SEND to reach their full potential. We are also committed to supporting our businesses and that is not only about helping to create a thriving economy in which they prosper.

"We also dedicate a great deal of time and resource to working with our businesses so that they can also add value to our communities, giving opportunities to cohorts of people who might otherwise be denied an opportunity that their talents and attitudes richly deserve. 

"We are very proud of our businesses and I hope that this scheme will see many of them support us in our aspirations to give fantastic opportunities to our young people with SEND.” 

There is no need to book as this is a drop-in event, however if you have any queries or would like any further information, please email sendchange@warwickshire.gov.uk. 

For more information about post-16 education and training for those with SEND visit Warwickshire’s SEND Local Offer.