Students

"It was a great experience being on the Supported Internship Programme. I am now working independently. It is a dream come true after trying for long to fit into a workplace".
Intern2023
"I am enjoying learning new skills both in my classes and at my workplace. I have made new friends since being on the programme."
Intern2023
"The Supported Internship had changed my life."
Intern2023
"Joining the internships has possibly given me opportunities which I never had before. I gained worth, respect and most likely knowledge and integrity. I'm truly grateful that when I first joined it was greatness I was going for. I gained some friendship, companionship and some trust. So therefore it wasn't a misguided mistake I took, it all just takes time for me to be at the target of where I stand to be."
Graduate Intern2022
"I joined the Supported Internship Programme to find a job and learn new skills. To make new friends and meet new people. I also wanted to become more confident and do challenging things. I am happy now l have a placement. I feel safe and happy with my Job Coach."
Intern2022
"West Lea's programme supported her step by step into work, how to be ready for work, independently travelling and getting a 1 year contract at the end of it. Our daughter has gone onto another job after this and her confidence and self-belief have really grown. Her mental health (and ours) have improved so much!

I never thought that she could achieve all the things that she has done. Yes it was a bit scary, but I now know that she can be much more independent in life."
Parent2022
"Alex did not only thrive but grew in confidence on the programme. The staff at West Lea kept us reassured all the way, as well as supporting myself, as the mother, with my own anxieties - I never felt alone! He now works at the Beehive Pub and they have a restaurant, Alex works in the kitchen alongside the chefs whilst having his own responsibilities and duties. He knows where everything is! Having a child with a disability; we just felt all alone until we found Carline and she allowed us to change our outlook on life."
Parent2022
"I joined the course to help me learn the social skills which I would need for beginning life in the workplace. As for experiences during the course so far I have enjoyed the people around me and the activities and trips that I have been part of. I have enjoyed my current work placement greatly."
Intern2022
"I joined this course so I could gain the skills needed that will help me in my daily life. I also joined to help me gain experience in the workplace. My experience has been good on this course so far because I am learning lots of different things that I did not know before. For example, how to present myself and budgeting."
Intern2022
"I enjoy coming into class I have jokes with my friends, I enjoy my lessons and my teachers make me laugh."
Intern2022
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Our learner journey

Which course is right for me?

Pre-internship

This course is for students who are coming to the end of their time in education and who are want to join the Supported Internship programme but aren’t quite ready. Students continue building on their literacy, numeracy and digital skills in class, and sample work ‘taster’ sessions to help them develop work skills. 

Students commit to undertake two days per week of work experience. This is initially supported but progresses to independent work experience placements.

Students who successfully complete this course typically apply for the Supported Internship Programme.

Generally students on this course are studying Entry Level Qualifications.

Supported Internship

This course is for students who have reached the end of their time in education and achieved all that they can in college and are ready to move on. The Supported Internship Programme bridges the gap between school and the work place. It includes an extended work placement with a local employer and provides access to a job for young people who want to work, but need a little extra support to do so. This differs from Work Experience as Interns will be treated as members of staff with the aim of securing a paid job at the end of course.

In college Interns focus on developing their work and life skills as well as their English and Maths in structured education for one day per week.

What support is provided?

  • 1 to 1 Job Coach Support on placement 
  • Wellbeing support
  • Access to social activities
  • Support to source appropriate workwear
  • ‘Better off calculations’ including support and advice from the DWP.
  • Support with applying to Access to Work
Supported Internships Guidance
Preparing for Adulthood
SIP Parent and Carer Flyer
Expression of Interest Form

Register your interest!

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