🌟 Supported Internship Provision

Westminster Hall

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In a passionate parliamentary debate, Jodie Gosling highlighted the critical role of supported internships in helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) transition into the workforce. She cited the success of schemes like those at Asda and Nuneaton Signs, where interns not only gain valuable skills but also significantly improve their confidence and employment prospects. The Minister, Catherine McKinnell, acknowledged the government’s investment in these programs, aiming to double the number of internships and extend support to those without EHCPs. The debate underscored the need for continued investment and broader inclusion to break down employment barriers for young people with SEND.

Summary

  • Supported Internships Highlighted: Jodie Gosling (Nuneaton) (Lab) moved a motion to discuss supported internship provision, emphasizing the importance of these programs in helping individuals with additional needs enter the workforce.

  • Disability Employment Statistics: Only 1% of people with health issues claiming limited capability to work benefits return to work, highlighting significant barriers for disabled people wanting to work.

  • Success Stories Shared: Examples of successful inclusive businesses like Nuneaton Signs, which employs a workforce with 70% being disabled, were mentioned to showcase the potential of inclusive employment.

  • Demand for Work: A significant 86% of people with learning difficulties who are not in work want to work, indicating a high demand for supported internship programs.

  • Government Support: The Department for Education provided grants to local authorities and partner organizations to double the number of internships from 2020 to 2025 via the Internships Work consortium.

  • Intervention Benefits: Supported internships benefit not only the participants by boosting their confidence but also businesses by providing access to skilled, permanent staff.

  • Program Principles: Key principles of the supported internship program include workplace-based training, personalized study curricula, job coach support, and pathways to paid employment aligned with interns’ passions and career goals.

  • High Employment Outcomes: Between 50% and 75% of participants in supported internships secure full employment after completing the program.

  • Broader Application Suggested: There is potential to apply the supported internship model to a wider group including NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and those re-entering the workforce.

  • Personal Development: Participants, such as those at Asda, reported improved personal skills like timekeeping, confidence, and social interaction, along with positive impacts on mental health and family relationships.

  • Economic and Social Value: A study by Social Value Lab found that supported internship provider DFN Project SEARCH generates a social value of £3.80 for every £1 invested.

  • Future Investment and Expansion: The Department for Education has committed funding to supported internships until March 2025, and is considering extending the model to young people without EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), those with mental health conditions, and those with persistent absenteeism from school.

  • Access to Work Challenges: Delays in Access to Work funding from the DWP were noted as a challenge, but steps have been taken to streamline the application process and reduce delays.

  • National Supported Internship Day: The third National Supported Internship Day is scheduled for March 27, featuring events to celebrate and raise awareness of supported internships.

  • Government Commitment: The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the SEND system and supporting pathways to employment for young people with disabilities.

Divisiveness

The session on Supported Internship Provision displays a very low level of disagreement, earning a rating of 1 on a scale of 1 to 5. Throughout the debate, there is a consistent tone of support and agreement among the members present. Jodie Gosling introduces the topic and receives positive interventions from fellow members who further emphasize the importance and success of supported internships without challenging or opposing her views.

  • Examples of Agreement:
    • Jim Shannon commends Jodie Gosling for securing the debate and agrees with her on the potential benefits of supported internships for both young people and businesses.
    • Rachel Taylor expresses delight at the opportunities provided by supported internships and requests continued support, which Jodie Gosling readily agrees to.
    • Jonathan Davies and David Williams both share positive experiences with supported internships in their constituencies, specifically mentioning initiatives like Project SEARCH at Asda, which Jodie Gosling also acknowledges positively.
    • Mrs Sureena Brackenridge also supports Jodie Gosling’s points and suggests widening the program to further assist NEETs, to which Jodie Gosling agrees.

The Minister for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell, reiterates the positive sentiments by applauding the achievements and ongoing investments in supported internships. She provides detailed information about the initiatives and progress, reinforcing the supportive nature of the debate. There is no challenge to the underlying principles or opposition to the continuation of the program; any further questions from Jodie Gosling are met with governmental commitment to continue the work and address budget allocations appropriately.

In summary, the discussion focuses on reinforcing shared values and goals related to supported internships, with all present advocating for more investment and broader application of the program. The absence of dissenting voices or opposing arguments during the session supports a rating of 1 for disagreement.