Strengthen your team and help shape a young person’s future
When you partner with us to offer a 2‑Year Supported Internship, you do more than provide a placement, you help build futures. You create real employment pathways for young people aged 16–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
You gain motivated early‑career talent.
You strengthen your talent pipeline.
You contribute to long‑term social impact.
Immediate contribution. Structured support. Long-term workforce growth.
As an employer partner, you gain access to a professionally managed, fully supported programme designed around your operational needs.
What you gain
- Motivated, work‑ready young people joining your team
- A workforce that reflects your community
- Stronger ESG, CSR and social value outcomes
- A future pipeline for entry‑level roles
- Higher team engagement and confidence in inclusive practice
- A structured programme that supports long‑term recruitment needs
What we offer
- On‑site Job Coaches
- Individualised support plans
- Inclusive workplace & disability awareness training
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
- Safeguarding checks and risk assessments
- Structured partnership agreement
- Post‑employment transition support
You focus on your day‑to‑day operations.
We ensure every placement is fully supported and sustainable.
Why your partnership matters
Young people with SEND continue to face significant barriers to entering the workforce.
The current landscape
- 12.7% of young people aged 16–24 are NEET
- Youth unemployment stands at 15.9%
- Only 4.8% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment
- Just 1 in 3 young people believe employers will hire them
What Happens When Employers Partner with Us?
- 72% of our interns secured paid roles in 2023/24
- 77% sustained employment success over seven years
- Local employment rates for adults with learning disabilities outperform national averages
Your involvement directly contributes to improving these outcomes and helps build a more resilient and inclusive workforce within your organisation.
How the 2-Year Supported Internship works
Our two‑year programme is designed to help young people who need additional support grow in confidence, build real workplace skills, and move towards paid employment, gradually. We support both you and your intern every step of the way.
A gentle introduction to workplace routines
- Learners begin with small, achievable tasks
- Focus on building confidence, independence, and workplace habits
- Clear routines to help them settle in
- Ongoing support from a dedicated job coach
- Preparation for taking on more responsibility in Year 2
Increasing skills, hours, and independence
- More hours and structured responsibilities
- Steady growth in independence
- Opportunities to contribute to real workplace tasks
- Regular progress reviews and goal setting
- Working toward a pathway into paid employment
Support that continues beyond the internship
- Help with onboarding into paid roles
- Ongoing post‑employment check‑ins
- Guidance to ensure a smooth and confident transition
- Support for both the young person and the employer
Real experiences, real stories
What employers say
What learners say
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after you register?
We arrange an introductory discussion to understand your organisation, identify suitable responsibilities, and outline the placement structure.
What support do you receive?
You receive on-site Job Coach guidance, structured reviews, and ongoing communication throughout the programme.
What happens at the end of the internship?
You review progress collaboratively and explore progression into paid employment where appropriate.
What if you decide to hire the intern?
You receive onboarding support and continued guidance to ensure a smooth transition into employment.
Ready to build a more inclusive, future-ready workforce?
Partner with West Lea School’s Supported Internship Programme today to enhance your workforce strategy and create meaningful employment pathways for young people with SEND.
