At EKC Training, our Supported Internship are designed to help young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) take the next step towards employment. By combining real workplace experience with College support, we help students to build confidence, independence, and job-ready skills.
We spoke to Jack, a Supported Internship student, about his journey, his work placement at Forelands Field School, and how the course is preparing him for his future career.
Why did you choose to study a Supported Internship?
I felt like I was ready to move on to adult life and get into work. I knew I was ready to move on from EKC Broadstairs College.
My teacher, at the time, told me about the Supported Internship because she knew I was ready for adulthood. I liked the sound of it, so she helped me get an interview and I realised this was the course I really wanted to do.
Can you tell me about the course, what makes it different from other courses?
I feel like it’s more grown-up. If you’re ready to move on in life, then this is the course for you. You get treated like an adult and you spend most of your time in the workplace. You only come into College once a week, and you’re more in the community and doing lots more work experience. They help you get the skills you need for the job you want.
My tutors are very supportive and easy to talk to. If I have a problem in class, I know I can go to them and they’ll help me.
I also have a job coach, Rachel, who supports me when I’m on work placement. She observes me working, and then at the end of the day we talk through what went well, what I found difficult, and if there’s anything I need help with. She gives me feedback and helps me improve. Rachel is also really easy to talk to, especially if I have a problem at work. I can speak to her, and she helps put the right support in place.
Where is your work placement and how do you find it?
When I finish the course, I would like to work with children in a school and help them to achieve their goals, so I do my work experience at Forelands Field School. My mum works there, and I also used to go there, so they already knew me. My mum got in touch with them, and they said I could come back to do work experience.
When I’m there, I help them read, support their ICT work, and help them communicate using their talkers. I also help with maths, cooking, and other classroom activities. If a child is upset, I try to distract them with things they like to help them calm down.
I like helping children, especially because it’s a special needs school. I enjoy helping them reach their goals. It’s inspiring to see them smile and feel proud when they achieve something.
What skills have you developed during your placement?
My confidence has grown a lot. Two years ago, I don’t think I would have been able to deal with difficult situations. Now, if a student is having a bad day, I can go up to them, talk to them, and help calm them down. I feel more mature and more confident communicating with people.
One of my favourite moments was helping with the Christmas play. I helped them rehearse, and on the day, I was on stage helping with the props. It was really nice seeing them perform in front of their parents.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing a Supported Internship?
I’d say if you’re ready for work and you know what you want to do, then this is the course for you. Don’t hesitate or waste time doing another course if you think you’re ready. This course will help you get a job and achieve what you want.
If you like to have structure, and know what your timetable is, then ask for it in advance if you can. I think that would have helped me prepare better for the beginning of the course.
Jack’s experience shows how a Supported Internship can help students build confidence and develop essential skills ready for the workplace.
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