Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Supported Internships
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a paid job with a training component. It allows young people to earn while they learn, as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
Who they are for:
Apprenticeships are for young people aged 16 and upwards.
The young person will need to have achieved GCSE grades A-C or 9-4 or equivalent or continue to work towards this as part of the apprenticeship. Young people with an EHC plan are exempt from passing in order to progress.
The government made English and maths an extra requirement (something you must achieve to complete your apprenticeship). If a young person has/had an EHC plan, there may be some flexibility around the maths and English requirement. This can be discussed with the employer or training provider.
What is involved:
Apprenticeships allow you to learn whilst working. You earn a wage and gain experience in a job you would like to work in whilst also studying, giving you a qualification at the end of your learning.
Who provides this:
Local colleges, universities and private training providers. Some local authorities, including Sheffield City Council, also offer apprenticeships. For further information, go to www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.
Additional support provided:
If additional support is required (outside the employer making reasonable adjustments), then an application to Access to Work can be completed for an assessment.
A Disability Confident Employer (see https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/) will generally offer interviews to anyone applying with a disability as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
How to apply:
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Traineeships
A traineeship is an education and training programme with work experience that prepares a young person for their future career by helping them to get ready for the world of work.
Who they are for:
These are for young people who are not work ready, between the ages of 16 and 24 years, who are below level 3 qualifications and have little or no work experience.
What is involved:
Work experience can last up to 6 months. Provides work experience, help with English and Maths and employability skills such as CV writing and interview skills. It is unpaid but normal benefit entitlement remains.
Who provides:
The below link will provide the update on traineeship opportunities.
Additional support provided:
If additional support is required (outside the employer making reasonable adjustments), then an application to Access to Work can be completed for an assessment.
How to apply:
www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
Supported Internships
Supported internships are structured study programmes based primarily at an employer. They are designed to enable young people with an EHC plan to achieve sustainable, paid employment by giving them the skills they need for work through learning in the workplace.
Who they are for:
Supported Internships are for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 16 to 24 years with an EHC Plan who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so. Supported Internships are unpaid and last for one year.
What is involved:
Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a study programme, which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if appropriate, and English and Maths. The internship will be tailored to provide a balance of work place experience and individual group work training depending on needs.
Who provides:
Project choice/NHS, Sheffield College, Sheaf Training
Additional support provided: Access to Work support is available across supportive internships. Independent Travel Training can also be offered to help young people travel to their study programmes. Additional support is available on an individual basis.
How to apply:
Sheaf contact: Scott.Mckeown@sheffield.gov.uk
City College contact: info@sheffcol.ac.uk
Project Choice contact: clare.coyne1@nhs.net and Rachel.baston@nhs.net