Eight young people with special educational needs and disabilities have completed Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s latest Supported Internship Programme.
The year-long scheme provides work placements, classroom learning and one-to-one coaching to help 18 to 25-year-olds with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) develop confidence and gain work experience.
Rated excellent by the British Association for Supported Employment, the programme includes a mix of placements across council departments such as fleet operations, tourism, facilities and social care.
Jon Pestell, 20, who took part in this year’s programme, said he enjoyed filming, editing and creating content in the marketing team and now hopes to move into an apprenticeship.
The internship is delivered in partnership with the South West Regional Assessment Centre and Discovery, offering both educational support and job coaching throughout the academic year.
Helen Lewis, who leads the programme, said students gain independence and real-world skills and are regularly described as valuable team members.
Councillor Richard Burton said the initiative plays an important role in helping young people with SEND progress into meaningful employment and contribute to their communities.
To find out more about the programme, personal visits, group drop-in sessions or details of information events, contact Helen Lewis, Project Lead at supportedinternships@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or visit BCP Council Supported Internships here.