Marvin OnumonuBath & North East Somerset Council has launched a supported internship scheme in the Somer Valley for young people aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Somer Valley Skills Pathway Supported Internship offers a mix of work experience, skills learning and support for those with an education, health and care plan or additional needs.
Young people on the programme spend four days a week in work and one day in education, with the chance to gain qualifications in English and maths.
The scheme also covers CV writing, interview preparation, employment rights and confidence building.
Bath & North East Somerset Council set up the scheme after talking with SEND parent carers in the Somer Valley.
This feedback showed there was a need for more support to help young people with SEND into local work.
Employers in the Somer Valley, including the council, have signed up to the scheme and could offer paid jobs to those who complete the internship, subject to vacancies.
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that the Supported Internship programme is transforming the lives of young people with SEND in other areas and we are delighted to be opening up this exciting opportunity in B&NES.
“The programme will empower young people to gain confidence, skills and experience to achieve their potential in the world of work.
“For young people who have recently received exam results and need support with next steps, this could be the perfect programme.”
An enrolment event for the scheme will be held at the Hope Centre in Radstock on 4th September from 10am to 3pm.
