There is more than one route after Year 11.
For young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), thinking about what comes next after secondary school can feel overwhelming. However, sixth form or a traditional college course isn’t the only option.
Depending on a young person’s needs, strengths, interests and aspirations, there are different pathways that can support them as they prepare for adulthood.
One option worth exploring is a supported internship, which combines practical workplace experience with personalised learning and support.
What is a supported internship?
A supported internship is a structured, work-based study programme for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move towards paid employment.
Supported internships are designed to help young people develop practical workplace skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience in a real working environment.
They typically include:
- A substantial work placement with an employer.
- Support from a trained job coach.
- A personalised study programme based on the young person’s needs and goals.
- Opportunities to develop employability and independence skills.
- English and maths learning at an appropriate level
Are supported internships paid?
Supported internship placements are generally unpaid because they form part of a full-time education programme. Their main purpose is to help young people develop the skills and experience needed to progress into sustained, paid employment.
Although paid employment is the goal, it is not guaranteed at the end of the programme.
You can read more about eligibility and how supported internships work through the Government’s supported internship guidance.
Supported internship providers in Medway
There are several local organisations offering supported internship opportunities for young people with an EHCP.
Forward2Employment
Forward2Employment supports young people aged 16 to 24 with an EHCP across Medway, Kent and the South East.
Their 38-week supported internship programme follows the academic year and typically involves:
- Four days a week gaining experience in a workplace.
- One day a week developing employability, English, maths and independence skills.
- Individual support from a job coach to help young people settle into their placement and develop workplace confidence.
The programme focuses on helping young people gain meaningful employment experience while developing the skills needed for their future careers.
Find out more: Forward2Employment – Supported Internships
MidKent College
MidKent College offers supported internships for young people aged 16 to 24 with SEND and an EHCP who are interested in moving towards employment.
Their programme combines substantial workplace experience with a personalised study programme and support from an expert job coach. Young people can develop practical employment skills while continuing to work on relevant learning, including English and maths where appropriate.
The supported internship is delivered in partnership with bemix.
Find out more: MidKent College – Supported Internship
Bemix & Q+
Medway Council lists bemix among its local supported internship providers. In July 2026, bemix announced that its Supported Employment provision had become part of Q+, with continuity of services for learners and families. Families should contact the service directly to confirm current entry requirements, programme arrangements and how to apply.
Its programmes support young people with learning difficulties or autism to develop workplace skills, build relationships and gain experience that can help them move towards paid employment.
Medway Council describes bemix’s supported internships as year-long programmes for young people aged 17 to 24 with an EHCP.
Find out more: bemix
You can also explore local providers through Medway Council’s Supported Internships page.
Is a supported internship the right choice?
Supported internships can be a valuable option for young people who want to work but may benefit from additional support to develop their confidence, independence and employment skills.
However, they won’t be the right pathway for everyone.
Before making a decision, it may help to consider:
- What does the young person want to do in the future?
- Are they interested in gaining practical workplace experience?
- What support would they need to feel comfortable and confident at work?
- Does the programme reflect their strengths, interests and aspirations?
- What other education or training opportunities might suit their needs?
Families can speak with their young person’s school, college, careers adviser or EHCP coordinator about available options and how these relate to their Preparing for Adulthood goals.
There is no single ‘right’ route after Year 11
Every young person’s journey towards adulthood will look different.
Depending on their individual circumstances, post-16 options may include:
- Sixth form: Continuing education through A levels or other available qualifications.
- Further education college: Studying vocational, academic or specialist courses.
- Supported internships: Gaining workplace experience with personalised learning and job coach support.
- Apprenticeships: Combining paid employment with training and study.
- Other training programmes: Developing practical, vocational or employment-related skills.
- Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS): In some circumstances, a local authority can arrange special educational provision outside a school or college through an EHCP, where it would be inappropriate for that provision to be made in an educational setting.
Not every pathway will be suitable or available to every young person, and eligibility requirements vary.
What matters most is finding an option that reflects the young person’s needs, strengths, aspirations and future goals.
Where can families find more information?
If you’re exploring post-16 options for a young person with SEND in Medway, these resources may help:
- Medway Council – Supported Internships – Information about local supported internship providers.
- GOV.UK – Supported Internships – National guidance explaining how supported internships work.
- Skills for Careers – Supported Internships – A straightforward guide for young people and families.
- Kent County Council – Supported Internships – Further information about supported internships across Kent.
Your voice matters
At Medway Parents & Carers Forum (MPCF), we believe that children, young people and their families should have a voice in the services and support available to them.
We understand that navigating post-16 education, training and employment pathways can bring questions and uncertainty, particularly when considering the support a young person may need as they move towards adulthood.
We encourage families to explore the options available, ask questions and ensure their young person’s views and aspirations remain central to decisions about their future.
Have you had experience of supported internships or other post-16 SEND pathways in Medway?
We’d love to hear your views and experiences.
Visit www.medwaypcf.org.uk to find out more about our work and how you can get involved.