#Chances4Children: Internship programme sees SEND young people learn job skills
Derren Hayes
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Students with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in Lancashire have been learning job skills thanks to an internship programme led by the county council.
Project SEARCH is a year-long supported internship programme for 16-24 year olds who have a SEND education, health and care plan and are in their final year of school or college.
It is a partnership between Lancashire County Council, Preston's College, the Supported Employment Agency, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the charity Hft.
Interns take part in three different experiences at the council to build their skills and develop a career path, working with their family, an instructor and a supported employment specialist.
Preston's College supports the learners through enrolment and throughout their year at college, with student managers and in-class support to assist them with their course and college life.
The council also provides job placements and a classroom in a range of departments including the library service, catering, fostering and adoption and the Inclusion Service.
Hft provide a job coach in the workplace and a follow-on coach after the internship finishes and the DWP provide ’Access to Work’ funding.
The programme helps young people to prepare for employment through a mix of education and work experience placements.
So far, nine young people have graduated from the scheme. One of the students, Aqul, said: “I enjoyed Project SEARCH because it helped me gain new skills, get experience in workplace and meet new people.”
Graduates of the programme have documented their experiences in a film.
In it, programme placement manager Steve, adds: “We have two interns working in ICT, both have done really well and their confidence has grown. They have got involved in more complex tasks and we’ve seen improvements in communication.”
Find out more about the #Chances4Children campaign.
