St Piers Supported Internship study programmes are designed to empower young people, between the ages of ages 16-23, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or those that are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to build meaningful and fulfilling lives. The programmes provide a personalised structured pathway, tailored support and valuable work-based opportunities.
Through these experiences, interns develop essential life and employment skills, gain confidence and independence and become active contributors to their local communities. The supported internship model helps young people grow into valued members of society while also responding to local workforce needs
The programme delivers a range of supported, work‑based study options for young people who are motivated to work and benefit from routine and structure. Each intern follows an individualised pathway aligned to their strengths, aspirations and support requirements. Regular Careers, Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is provided on a regular basis, and students ideally have an Education, Health and Care Plan to enable them to work towards personalised targets. St Piers works closely with employers in each student’s local area to create placements that build work experience, develop employability skills and support ongoing engagement and progression into employment. These opportunities provide real‑world experience that strengthens confidence and leads to positive employment outcomes.
The supported Internship programme enables St. Piers to partner with employers to ensure smooth induction and ongoing support. Employers benefit from a more inclusive workforce, more opportunities for staff development and meaningful community impact. Job coaches provide guidance, help adapt roles, and support training for both interns and employers. Open communication ensures that placements can be reviewed and adjusted to achieve the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.
Year 1 Pre-Supported Internship Programme | Year 2 Supported Internship Programme |
| Foundation for entering the workforce | Moving closer to paid employment |
| Ongoing independent careers advice | Extended work placements in the local community |
| Personalised qualifications supporting functional skills, independence and employability | Personalised study programmes to increase employability skills and qualifications |
| Off-site work placement to develop confidence and independence | Reduced job coach support to increase independence and develop employability skills |
| Personalised programme to build employability skills | Aims to transition interns into long term, sustainable employment |
| Tailored job coach support | |
Year 1 Residential Option Weekly residential placement in preparation for supported living in Year 2 | |
| Focus on life skills builds and preparation for supported living | |
| Practical experiences in self-care, cooking, shopping, laundry, and community engagement | |
| Skills practised in residential settings are applied across different environments, making progress sustainable | |
| Weekly boarders return home at weekends and during college holidays so that they maintain links with their families, local communities and potential employers. | |
| Note: local authorities will be responsible for identifying ongoing supported living placements for Year 2 | |
Contact Us
For more information about supported work-based study programmes at St Piers College, please contact the Admissions and Placements Team on 01342 341834 or admissions@stpiers.org.uk