Who we are:
Project Choice 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. Project Choice 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?
Project Choice 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, eg. at home or school on a one-to-one basis.
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. Project Choice 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 Project Choice 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, Project Coordinator and a Project Manager.
What kind of work experience roles are available to Interns?
The Project Choice Supported Internship is delivered within NHS organisations, the independent sector and private business.
Project Choice Interns have provided valuable assistance in a huge variety of roles, including:
Care
Pharmacy
Clinical Coding
Human Resources
Information Services
Education
Grounds Maintenance
Receptions
Domestic Services
Catering
Post Room
Central Stores
What does a typical week look like for a Project Choice 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?
Project Choice offers robust stakeholder training which can include:
Mentor training
Mental health first aid
Autism awareness training
Training in systematic instruction
Job coach training
We also use job coaches where Interns require additional support.
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 Project Choice was awarded a Good Provider Rating by Ofsted.
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, eg. appraisals, occupational health, etc.
Coaching preparation for progression interviews