Supported Internship

Entry Requirements:

There are no formal qualifications required but students must be committed to moving into employment and attending a work placement for the duration of the programme.

The programme is designed for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 16-24 who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

Duration:

Internships are unpaid and are part of a programme that lasts for one academic year.

Programme Outline:

The programme offers students the support to build on their confidence and skill set to enter a variety of job sectors.

Students accessing our Supported Internship programme will be based at Pinewood Campus, our Employability Hub located in nearby Woodgate Valley. Pinewood Campus provides a high quality learning experience and exciting stepping stone into the world of work through specific Employment Pathways programmes and is more business-like than educational in its feel. 

Classrooms are set within an open plan office environment where you will have the opportunity to welcome visitors as part of your customer service based skills.

A typical week will include two to three days attending a work placement with the remainder of the week spent at Pinewood where you will develop your employability skills alongside numeracy and literacy levels if required.

Employers we work with:

QAC has worked with some well known employers such as the BBC, The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham University, The Conservation Wildlife Reserve, The Rep, Midlands Arts Centre and a number of retail outlets within the local community.

We currently provide five distinct supported internship pathways: Environmental & Maintenance, Retail & Customer Service, Care, Hospitality and Business Administration.

Each student will work closely with their assigned Job Coach who will always be available to support and help students throughout the duration of the programme.

I don’t know what Job I want to do?

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a career path for the future if you have not had any work experience in the role you have an interest in. QAC has a dedicated team of trained staff that can help you to find the best job for you. Our Job Coaches will meet with you on a regular basis to support you with any challenges that you may encounter throughout the academic year.

The College’s Work Placement Team will endeavour to find work placements to suit the individual needs of each student, ensuring your work placement is bespoke to you.

Progression:

On successful completion, students may progress onto full/part-time employment (paid/voluntary), an apprenticeship or further training/education in their desired work sector.