Learning for Living and Work Supported Internship Full-Time

Course overview

The Department of Learning for Living and Work is a specialist department in the College, for students with additional and complex learning needs.

During your final year at Barnsley College you can take part in a Supported Internship to gain the skills and work experience* needed to prepare you for the world of work.

Preparing you for the world of work

You will spend one to two days per week in College studying towards a personalised relevant qualification. You will then spend between one and four days each week with an employer developing your skills and confidence in the workplace.

Finding the right employer

Everyone is different and able to do different kinds of jobs. We will match your skills and abilities with the right employer so you can meet your goals and do something you are interested in. This could include:

• Admin
• Catering
• Estates/Maintenance/Cleaning Services
• Gardening/Horticulture
• Health and Social Care including Project Search
• Retail
• Warehousing

Activities at College include:

• Budgeting
• CV writing
• Financial Literacy
• Searching and applying for jobs
• Practice interviews
• Confidence building
• Volunteering

Support throughout your placement

A member of staff, called a Job Coach, will work closely with you in the workplace to help you learn new skills. A ‘Work Buddy’ from the employer will also help you to settle into the job by encouraging you to be effective and more independent.

Getting involved

To join the Supported Internship programme, you must:

• Have taken part in previous successful work experience.
• Wish to gain employment.
• Have a good work ethic.
• Be motivated and reliable.
• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Interns need to be willing to travel to their place of work independently or undertake travel training. Job coaching support can be provided on work placements to support interns to become more competent in their roles and develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for work.  Interns should have the capacity to work without constant supervision and be aiming towards paid employment.

Course content

You will : 

• Learn how to work as a team and on your own. How to prepare and take part in an interview, create a great CV, learn how to effectively look for a job that suits you, your interests and abilities. 
• Develop your independent travel skills 
• Agree, set and achieve personal targets that prepare you for your future goals  
• Attend a work placement to put into practice your in-class learning experience 
• Develop or enhance your social and communication skills, how to work safely, how to work with others and much more! 
• Have support from a ‘Job Coach’ to help you learn new skills, tasks and to settle in at work 
• Experience engaging talks from guest speakers to motivate and inspire you on your next step to employment  
• Visit a range of employers to gain further knowledge of what it’s like to work in different sectors of the working world!