Devon’s SEND Local Offer

Supported internships

What is a supported internship?

A supported internship is a work-based learning program for young people aged 16–24 with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). It helps you gain skills and experience to get a paid job.

  • Unpaid and lasts 6–12 months
  • Requires an Education, health and care plan (EHCP)
  • Split between work and college learning
  • Support from a job coach and college tutor

Goals of a supported internship

  • Teach skills that employers want
  • Show what you can do in the workplace
  • Build confidence in your abilities

Success is measured by getting paid employment.

Who can apply?

  • Young people aged 16–24
  • Have an EHCP

No entry requirements. Your college will create a plan that suits your needs.

Where to find supported internships in Devon

Bicton College

  • One-year course (36 weeks)
  • Work up to three days a week with a job coach
  • College two days a week for English, maths, and work skills

Find out more about supported internships at Bicton College

Exeter College, Exeter

  • One-year course
  • Work most of the week with a job coach
  • College one day a week for teamwork, communication, and English or maths.

Find out more about supported internships at Exeter College

Exeter College, Centre for Progression, Tiverton campus

  • One-year course for learners aged 19+ with an EHCP
  • Working up to four days a week with a job coach
  • College one day a week for employment skills, English and maths

Find out more about supported internships at Exeter College

North Devon College

  • One-year course for ages 16–24 with an EHCP
  • Work placement with a job coach
  • College one day a week for employability and English and maths

Find out more about supported internships at Petroc College

Project SEARCH (Barnstaple)

  • For people with learning disabilities or autism
  • One-year course
  • Five days a week
  • Three 10-week placements at North Devon District Hospital, with the support of a job coach
  • Supported by North Devon College

Find out more about Project SEARCH (Barnstaple)

South Devon College

South Devon College runs two different supported internship programmes, for students aged 18 to 24 who want to move into employment, and need extra support to do so.

  • Bridges into Work: Community placements
  • Aspire: Placements at Torbay Hospital

Find out more about supported internships at South Devon College

Plymouth City College

  • One-year course for ages 16–25
  • Work placements with Plymouth City Council
  • Course runs three days a week

Find out more about supported internships from Plymouth City Council

ROC College

  • One-year course
  • Work placement supported by a job coach
  • One day a week in college to complete English and maths and/or relevant workplace qualifications

Find out more about ROC College

Eat That Frog CIC

  • One-year course for ages 16–24 with an EHCP
  • Work placement with a job coach
  • One day a week at Eat That Frog studying maths, English and independent living or employment skills

Find out more about supported internships at Eat That Frog

The Deaf Academy

Find out more about the Deaf Academy

InFocus College

Find out more about InFocus College

Lifeworks College

Find out more about Lifeworks College

Other providers

Independent training providers also offer internships. Check the Which Way, Your Way Devon booklet (pages 24–87) for more options.

Benefits of a supported internship

  • Gain experience for your CV
  • Show employers and family what you can do
  • Improve English and maths skills
  • Learn to travel independently
  • Practice interview and money-handling skills

Note: Internships are unpaid and count as full-time education. You cannot claim Job Seekers Allowance during the course. You may be able to claim Universal Credit.

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