College calls on employers to support young people with SEND

Derby College Group is appealing to local employers to come forward and support life changing internships for young people with SEND.

The college is working with talented young people with SEND who are ready to gain workplace experience and take their next steps towards paid employment.

However, while several placements have already been secured, more employers are needed to offer work placements as part of the college’s Supported Internship programme, ahead of a new cohort of 30 students beginning in September.

Nationally, young people with SEND are around 80% less likely to be in employment or training than their peers, according to figures cited by Cheshire East Council’s own supported internship scheme.

Supported internships exist to close that gap, combining a substantial work placement with the support of a dedicated job coach.

Over the past year, Derby College Group’s interns have developed skills, confidence and independence through placements with organisations including Alstom and Blue Arrow.

For employers, the benefits go beyond social value. Research from the National Development Team for Inclusion has found that employees with SEND are often highly dedicated and can improve overall staff retention, and that businesses offering supported internships often see a boost to workplace culture and reputation as an inclusive employer.

Aaron Denton, vice principal for student experience and pastoral support at Derby College Group, said: “The internships provide the opportunity for young people to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need.

“We have had so many successes where young people have gone on to be in roles they really enjoy and feel fulfilled.”

James Spencer, senior project manager at Alstom, which has supported interns through its ASPIRE programme at the Derby Litchurch Lane Works, said: “We are very pleased the Voyager refurbishment project can offer its support in this exciting Alstom-supported internship programme, providing workplace experience.

“The mechanical and electrical work scopes provide a broad range of hands-on experience, helping develop valuable skills for future careers.”

Businesses interested in finding out more can contact Derby College Group’s Supported Internship team on 0800 0280289, asking to speak to an Inclusion Job Coach, or by e-mailing jobcoach@derby-college.ac.uk.

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