Shropshire Council SEND and Enable service, DFN Project SEARCH, Shrewsbury Colleges Group and ESS are partnering to offer 10 internships for young people aged 18-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Shropshire Council have teamed up with training and education partners to offer 10 internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The council’s SEND and Enable Supported Employment teams are working with DFN Project SEARCH, a leading provider of supported employment programmes for young people with learning disabilities and autism, Shrewsbury Colleges Group and ESS, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, to offer 10 internship opportunities for young people aged 18-24 with a EHCP at RAF Cosford.

The internships are part of a supported employment study programme that will start in September 2024. The programme aims to help young people with learning disabilities and autism to develop the skills and confidence they need to secure competitive and sustainable employment.

The interns will enrol at Shrewsbury Colleges Group and benefit from total workplace immersion with ESS, a leading provider of catering and facilities management services to the UK defence sector. They will learn competitive and transferable skills for a variety of roles, such as catering, hospitality, administration, and facilities management. They will also receive an employability curriculum to develop their work-based skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-management.

David Shaw, Shropshire Council’s assistant director for education and achievement, said:-

“We are delighted to partner with ESS and DFN Project SEARCH to offer these internships to young people with learning disabilities and autism. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to gain valuable work experience and skills that will enhance their employability and independence.

“We are passionate about ensuring that young people with SEND have the same employment and training opportunities as all young people, and that they are supported to achieve their full potential. We believe that diversity and inclusion are not only good for business, but also for society.”

The programme is based on the DFN Project SEARCH model, which has been successfully implemented in over 140 locations across the UK and has helped over 2200 young people with learning disabilities and autism to graduate and find meaningful employment. The model has a proven track record of achieving high employment outcomes, with an average of 70% of graduates securing paid work.

Claire Cookson, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, added:-

“We are very proud to be launching this programme with Shropshire Council and partners.  This partnership offers a life-changing opportunity for young people who have a learning disability or an autism spectrum disorder and are keen to join the workforce. We look forward to welcoming the new group of interns who will receive comprehensive support and crucial employability skills, opening doors to fulfilling future careers.”

Internship interest event – Tuesday 18 June 2024

Find out more about the course at our interest event on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at RAF Cosford. To book your place visit https://app.tickettailor.com/events/shrewsburycollege/1247240

How to apply

Interested candidates can find out more and apply online at DFN Project Search Supported Internship; ESS Compass Group at RAF Cosford (scg.ac.uk).

Deadline for applications is Monday 1 July 2024.

Alternatively, they can contact Shrewsbury Colleges Group at benko@shrewsbury.ac.uk  for more information.

Shropshire Council’s SEND services, Enable Supported Employment Services, DFN Project SEARCH, Shrewsbury Colleges Group and ESS are committed to supporting the inclusion and diversity of young people with learning disabilities and autism in the workforce and society. They believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute to their community.