Supported Internships

In September 2015, Selly Oak Trust School began secured a fantastic business partnership with National Grid Ventures. Only 7% of people with additional needs are likely to secure paid employment. Over the last six years 24 students have taken part in a Supported Internship which has resulted in 64% of young people securing paid employment...

A phenomenal achievement.

As part of our Employability strategy, each year we identify up to three Year 14 students who will be based, full-time at National Grid offices in Solihull. Currently, four of our students are part of a Supported Internship Programme and will complete three, one term placements in a variety of area within the business. 

The interns are supported by a Job Coach member of our staff, trained to work with business and students to get the best outcomes and develop skills in the interns. They have a base room, laptops, ID badges and are treated as full time employees of National Grid.

As well as working, interns also complete BTEC and functional skills qualifications that complement their placements, further developing their employability skills.

At the end of the year, interns may have the opportunity to apply for suitable roles at National Grid following their ‘one year working internship’. Last year, another one of our students was successful in securing a full time job at Solihull National Grid.  Alex regularly comes into school and meets students and parents to spread the word about the opportunity at National Grid and what working life is like!

‘Pertemps’ Agency, based at the National Grid offices, will work with the interns from April onwards to update CVs, help with applications and job hunting. To watch interns talking about their experiences at National Grid Ventures and to get an idea of the working week, please click on the Graduation Video link below:

//www.youtube.com/embed/0OEbFsF6w_U

Each year, interns compile a yearbook outlining their experiences and learning whilst on placements. For the latest Supported Intern Year Book please click here

For more information please go to: http://employabilityletsworktogether.com/

This year seven of our Year 14 students are completing Supported Internships with Communicate 2U, a social enterprise company who have worked alongside Selly Oak Trust School for the last eight years.   

Communicate 2U provide opportunities for students to gain important work and life experiences outside of school, as well as developing their independence and communication skills in a community setting.  

The Communicate 2U team is made up of occupational therapists and job coaches who support students to ensure they get the most out of their education and help them transition to new stages of their lives.  

The Communicate 2U Supported Internship offers students the opportunity to gain new life skills and work experience in an offsite setting, based at Cotteridge Church, five days a week. 

Students are supported throughout the year by two members of the Communicate 2U staff and have the opportunity to work with prestigious organisations such as Coventry University and The Royal College of Nurses as part of the communication training programme.  

More information can be found on the Communicate 2U website: www.communicate2u.co.uk 

NEW: In September 2022 we hope to have 3 further students working at office in Birmingham and then a number of students across the King Edwards Schools Federation in September 2022. Watch this space!

For businesses interested in supporting us please download this useful guide:EMPLOYERS GUIDE