College launches scheme to help young SEND people find work experience

LEEDS City College has launched a new scheme which aims to give valuable work experience to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The supported internship programme gives young SEND people the opportunity to undertake work experience with local employers, with a view to securing a full time position at the end of their studies.

Since September, three interns have been given roles within Leeds City Council in areas ranging from administration to catering.

Alan Mckenna, deputy director of SEND and inclusive provision at Leeds City College said: “This Wednesday marks the second annual Supported Internship Day, a great opportunity to reflect on the success of the programme so far.

“The scheme is one of the first of its kind, and we’re delighted to be involved in creating opportunities for young people who are often overlooked. It’s great to see the interns getting stuck into different types of work and watching their confidence grow as a result.

“I’m incredibly proud of their achievements. We’ve had some great feedback from the departments they’ve been a part of, they are a real asset to themselves and the college.”

In England, just four per cent of young people with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment, compared to 80 per cent of their peers.

Whilst completing their internships, students attend one day at college to focus on English, maths and employability skills, and are offered full support from their college tutors and job coaches.

One of the interns, Aidan Stafford, said: “I feel more confident in my abilities now. At first it took a long time to complete a task, and now I can complete lots of work in one day.

“My career goal is to build up to full time employment in a customer service role, so this internship will be a great thing to add to my CV.”