Supported Internship: On-SITE
About this course
Supported Internships are a transition to work programme committed to transforming the lives of young people with additional learning needs.
CAVC offer three full-time programmes across the region and within a range of host businesses and industries. The students, known as interns, will complete a series of meaningful placements as employees within different departments working in varying roles.
Types of opportunities at each host business include;
Cardiff University
- Administration
- Communications
- Marketing
- Engineering
- Maintenance
- Research
Dow Silicones
- Administration
- Logistics
- Laboratories
- Warehouse/Stores
- Production
- Finishing
The Parkgate Hotel (new for 2024/25)
- Front of House
- Food and Beverage
- Kitchen Porter
- Housekeeping
- Facilities
A panel will review all applications and applicants will attend an informal interview to determine suitability for the programme.
Employability skills will be completed during educational and personal/professional development sessions which will work toward personal targets and goals.
Interns will be supported by an on-site team consisting of a:
- Course Tutor
- Job Coach (Supporting both classroom session and workplace tasks)
- Supported Employment Agency (Supporting personal development and progressions to careers)
The course runs 5 days a week typically between 9:00am – 4.00pm. Please note that in some departments or roles these times may vary slightly.
What you will study
Personal centered plans will be created to support interns in four key areas:
• Independence
• Employability
• Health and well-being
• Community through project-based learning
Interns will also be expected to complete training for the workplace with the host business to meet employee expectations.
Each intern will also be supported in setting a number of personal targets and goals that work towards their personal and employment development.
Teaching and assessment methods
- Personal target setting with evidence of achievement
- On-site team and host business observations/feedback/witness statements
- Training room activities
- Project based learning
- Skill development matrix
- On-site support job coaching
Facilities
Host Businesses provide:
- A training room on site
- Variety of workplace departments
Entry requirements
• Between the ages of 16 – 24 (18+ for Dow Silicones interns), on 1st September 2024
• Have an Independent Development Plan (IDP)/EHCP or have a disability/learning difficulty
• An aspiration to gain paid employment
• Work towards developing their independence and employability
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
More...
I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn in a work environment which led me to the decision to apply for an internship with Project SEARCH at Dow Silicones in Barry. At the beginning of the programme, I felt quite apprehensive but with the support of the Project SEARCH team and the staff at Dow I quickly became confident that this was the right direction for me to go.
It was during my time on Project SEARCH working in my internships that I recognised the change in myself for the first time. I was able to apply the skills and knowledge I gained during Workskills to a real working environment and with Project SEARCH I could take those skills to the next level.
I have always been self-aware of some of the barriers that held me back and these included organisation and focus. These are two things I have always wanted to overcome and by working with my instructors closely we were able to put the tools in place to allow become much more organised in the workplace and was able to stay focused on my tasks.
By the end of my internships on Project SEARCH I had so much newfound belief in myself and my own ability. I have always wanted to prove to everyone that I can be successful and following some very positive work placements I was fortunate enough to gain a career at CF10 Retail in Cardiff and Vale College. I am so grateful for every opportunity I have had and the support that I have received along my journey. If it wasn’t for Cardiff and Vale College, Project SEARCH and Dow Silicones I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Career prospects & further study
Progression is into paid employment, specific employment training or to agencies that can support to gain further work opportunities.