Who we are:
Choices College is a Specialist Post-16 College providing a person-centred, individually tailored Supported Internship to young adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism. Through the Internship, 16-24 year olds gain work experience, develop independence skills and increase their employability.
What we do:
Our service is bespoke, offering tailored support to each Intern, and employment opportunities are matched to the individual’s skills. Choices College aims to empower Interns and build their confidence as individuals in the workplace, while also offering life experience beyond their home and school environments.
What is the engagement process? Choices College holds formal awareness sessions at schools and other local authority venues, but we are also happy to come and speak with interested young people and parents and/or carers in other settings, e.g. at home or school on a one-to-one basis.
Who can apply for the Internship?
The Internship is for 16–24-year-olds with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism. There are no academic requirements to join the Internship, however individuals will need to have an aspiration to work and a current Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place. Choices College will need to be named in the EHCP, so parents and/or carers will need to be in discussion with the local commissioning authority for this to be arranged.
What is the assessment process?
Potential interns will be invited to a fun day for us to meet the young person and assess whether Choices College can meet their needs.
How long is the Internship?
The Internship comprises up to three placements, lasting 10-12 weeks each, throughout the academic year. Students who successfully complete their Internship will leave the College with an employability qualification accredited by NCFE. And where appropriate, a math and English qualification at a level higher than previously achieved.
What support is provided?
Interns are supported by a Workplace Mentor, Job Coach, Project Coordinator and a Project Manager.
What kind of work experience roles are available to Interns?
The Choices College Supported Internship is delivered within NHS organisations, the independent sector and private business. Choices College Interns have provided valuable assistance in a huge variety of roles, including:
What does a typical week look like for a Choices College Intern?
Interns spend four days per week in work, with one day in the classroom. In the classroom, Interns learn about employment and develop employability skills, as well as having study time to improve Maths and English.
How are staff trained to support Interns?
The College employs specialist tutors directly. We have an ESFA-approved curriculum, and all of our education provision is subject to Ofsted Inspection and DFE regulations. In January 2020 Choices College was awarded a Good Provider Rating by Ofsted.
We also use job coaches where Interns require additional support.
What support is available at the end of the Internship?
Our staff continue to support our Interns post completion of the Internship. Sustaining employment is key to us, and we are committed to helping Interns achieve their goals.
This support includes:
• Pastoral support
• Professional support in meetings, e.g. appraisals, occupational health, etc.
• Coaching preparation for progression interviews
This support includes:
• Pastoral support
• Professional support in meetings, e.g. appraisals, occupational health, etc.
• Coaching preparation for progression interviews
If interested, please contact;
Annette Lafitte
Area Manager
NHS England Choices College
Specialist Post-16 Institution
(Supported Internship Study Programme – formerly Project Choice)
Mobile
16–24-year-olds with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or Autism and an EHCP