Supported Internships at First Rung

First Rung is proud to deliver a Supported Internship Programme designed to help young people with SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) take confident steps into the world of work.

Our Supported Internships support young people aged 16–24 with mild SEND needs who are motivated, work-ready, and keen to gain meaningful work experience. The programme focuses on building skills, confidence and independence, with the ultimate aim of supporting young people into paid, sustained employment.

Our Aim

The programme will support up to 12 young people, with the goal that:

· At least 60% progress into paid and sustained employment

· The remaining learners move into further education or training, ensuring they do not become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Who the Programme Is For

We work with young people who have a range of support needs, including:

· Learning Disabilities

· Neurodiverse conditions (including Autism)

· Mild to moderate Mental Ill Health

· Physical Disabilities

· Sensory Disabilities

All participants are supported to develop their employability skills while gaining real, hands-on experience in the workplace.

What Is a Supported Internship?

A Supported Internship is a structured work placement, typically lasting up to 6-8 weeks, where the young person is fully supported both before and during their placement.

Each intern is supported by a dedicated Job Coach, ensuring the placement is positive, well-managed and beneficial for both the young person and the employer.

Support Provided

Support during the internship includes:

· Ongoing mentoring and in-work support

· Help with onboarding and settling into the workplace

· Regular check-ins with both the intern and employer

· Tailored support to meet individual needs

This approach reduces pressure on employers while giving young people the best chance to succeed.

Skills and Outcomes for Young People

Through a blended model of teaching, practical experience, coaching and mentoring, young people are supported to develop:

· Work-related skills

· Greater independence

· Improved confidence and self-esteem

· Stronger social and communication skills

· Better understanding of workplace expectations

Benefits for Employers

By offering a Supported Internship, employers can:

· Support local young people into work

· Develop future talent

· Strengthen social value and community impact

· Access fully supported interns with minimal additional workload

Where possible, we hope placements will lead to job interviews or paid employment at the end of the internship.

Partnership and Quality

The programme is delivered by First Rung, with BELS (Barnet Education and Learning Service) providing a specialist consultant to support curriculum delivery and ensure high-quality outcomes for learners.

Are You an Employer?

If you are an employer and would like to support young people with SEND into work, we would love to hear from you.

Supported Internship placements are fully supported by a Job Coach, ensuring a positive experience with minimal impact on your team. Placements can also lead to job interviews or paid employment.

Get in touch: marketing@firstrung.org.uk