As a new year begins, many people will consider that adage “new year, new career”. But for people with learning disabilities – just 5% of whom are in paid work, compared to 80% of their non-disabled peers – there is rarely a job to start with.
Supported internships are one way to prepare people who can and want to work for employment. They involve a placement of 6-12 months, with support from a job coach to learn and stay in the role. The internship also includes tailored study, for example, in English and maths.
The National Development Team for Inclusion’s (NDTi) Internships Work programme, launched in 2022, supports people aged 16–25. Funded by the Department for Education, it has worked with around 5,000 young adults so far.
According to a recent NDTi analysis into its internships scheme in rural Somerset – specifically the experiences of four young disabled people – the average social return on investment was £9.35. This means that for every £1 invested, £9.35 of social and economic value is generated.
The Somerset work is significant because the employment barriers faced by young people with special educational needs and disabilities are exacerbated by issues in rural areas such as access to employers and transport.
Sophie (not her real name) was one of the four young adults whose experiences are described in the Investing in Potential report.
Sophie had done a supported course at college, had never worked but had the ambition to secure a job with children and a role related to swimming.
Sophie’s college introduced her to the supported internship scheme. Through this, she took part in some work placements at a local leisure centre and then at a bigger sports centre.
Getting used to work
“At first, it was different,” Sophie told NDTi researchers about the daunting adjustment to work, “but I got used to it.”
Sophie’s job coach supported her with interview preparation, her CV and how to navigate the workplace. Her confidence grew and she started helping with swimming lessons and supporting young swimmers.
Friends, family and colleagues noticed her communication skills improved and she became more independent, walking to work and the shops on her own, for example.
Before the internships programme, Sophie did not have an income. She now works for two hours a week as a swimming assistant, earning £11.26 an hour.
She leads some one-to-one lessons and plans to complete her level 1 Swim England qualification – and more levels beyond that.
Aside from the income, Sophie is proud of contributing and is enjoying the social side of work.
“I’m better with new people now,” she proudly told NDTi researchers, reflecting the impact on people’s social lives and wellbeing alongside the immediate impact on income.
Saba Salman is a voluntary ambassador with the NDTi
