Internship Exploration Programme

Our Internship Exploration Programme is designed for young people who may benefit from additional support, preparation, and skill development before progressing on to a full Supported Internship. It provides a structured pathway that helps learners build the confidence, independence and employability skills needed to take their next steps towards the workplace.

The programme combines classroom-based learning, community-based activities and practical work placements, providing a balanced approach to personal and vocational development across the week.

Learners attend two classroom-based training days, where they work on developing their English and maths skills alongside a range of employability and vocational skills. These sessions focus on helping young people build the knowledge, behaviours and confidence that employers value, while also supporting them to work towards their individual goals.

In addition, learners take part in one community-based day that focuses on developing independence and confidence outside of the classroom. Activities can include travel training, accessing local services and facilities, and developing the practical skills needed to navigate everyday life and future employment opportunities more independently.

A further two days are spent in a work placement, giving learners valuable experience of real workplace environments. Work placements rotate every two terms, allowing young people to experience different sectors, roles and settings. This helps them to develop a broader understanding of the workplace, identify their strengths and interests, and make informed decisions about future employment goals.

Throughout the programme, learners receive support from a dedicated Job Coach across all five days. The Job Coach works closely with each young person, providing personalised guidance, helping them develop workplace skills and independence, and supporting them to gain the confidence needed to progress towards sustained employment and, where appropriate, a full Supported Internship.

We will personalise your program of study and it will depend upon your previous achievements and will be tailored to your needs.

There are no formal qualifications required. Instead we look for a willingness to gain work and independence.

We accept referrals from young adults with learning difficulties and/or autism, who:

• Are aged 16 – 24
• Who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Who live in Medway, Kent or the South East.
• Are ready to move on from education and into work
• Are an independent traveller or willing to become an independent traveller.

It is hoped that at the end of the Internship Exploration programme that the young person will move into the full Supported Internship programme.