Apprenticeships, internships and work

Youth Hub Devon is part of the Employment Hub service. They support young people in Devon (aged 16-24). It is a Devon based service that gives information, advice and guidance around your next steps.

The service is here to:

• Help you understand the range of options available to you
• Help you get into employment, education and training.
• Help you look for jobs and apprenticeships that will suit you, and help you apply.
• Support you to write CVs, covering letters and job applications.
• Help you prepare for an interview.
• Signpost to other services that might be able to help you.

You can make an appointment at one of the 6 centres by filling in a form or by email. 

There are Youth Hubs in: 

• Barnstaple
• Cullompton
• Exeter
• Honiton
• Ilfracombe
• Tiverton

If you are in care, care experienced or a care leaver from Devon, the Youth Hub can support you no matter where you live.

• If you think getting a job would be the best thing for you, then take a look at apprenticeships. They give you a chance to learn while you work. You’ll also be earning money as you train. 
• There are lots of different apprenticeships. Some of the main areas that have them are:
  • construction
  • hair and beauty
  • engineering
  • business administration
  • banking
  • health and social care.

In fact there are apprenticeships in most types of jobs! 

There are different levels of apprenticeships.

• You can start an apprenticeship after year 11 with GCSE’s or entry level qualifications.
• Other apprenticeships will need A levels or BTEC level 3 courses.
• Some apprenticeships let you work towards a university degree.

If you decide to do an apprenticeship after school you will get paid while you work and study.

You can find out more about apprenticeships in the short video below.

What is a supported internship?

To start a supported internship, you’ll need to:

• be aged 16 to 24
• have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)

On a supported internship, you’ll spend most of your time in the workplace, developing skills for employment.

A supported internship includes:

• an unpaid work placement of at least 6 months
• support from a qualified job coach
• a personalised study programme, including the chance to study a relevant qualification, if suitable, and English and maths to an appropriate level

Will I get paid?

• You may be able to get Access to Work funding.

What support will I get?

• The support you get will depend on your needs, but it could include a grant to help pay towards practical support with your work, including a job coach.

What can I do after a supported internship?

• The aim of a supported internship is to prepare you for working in a paid job.
• You could get a paid job at the same place you did your supported internship or you could look for a job with a different employer.
• You could also carry on training by doing an apprenticeship.

Listen to what Charlie has to say about doing a supported internship.

If you feel that getting paid work is right for you there are different ways you can find out what’s available. Remember that if you are looking to get a job after year 11 (age 16) you should still be doing some training that will lead to a qualification. 

• Your careers adviser is a good person to talk to about how to look for a job. They can also help you understand how to apply for jobs and how to prepare for interviews. The careers service for young people in Devon is CSW.
• There are online job agencies that let you search for jobs in your area.  If you know what sort of job you want you can find out if there are vacancies in your area by using this sort of agency search. 

Some of the bigger agencies are listed below

• • Find a Job 
  • Indeed 
  • Total Jobs 
  • Reed

If you’d like some help with applying for a job or you’re not confident about how to prepare then the people at Young Devon might be able to help. They offer a range of services to young people living in Devon. 

You can get additional help and support to look for work if you have SEND

• The Access to Work scheme can help if you have a disability or long term health condition. The support you get depends on your needs but it includes a grant to help pay for practical support in your work. 
• DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both.
• The National Careers Service has information about support and schemes available if you have SEND or a long term health condition. 

Helpful tips when thinking about your future career

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition

Supported internships with an education, health and care plan

Help if you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

Into Apprenticeships: A guide from Disability Rights UK 

Skills for a Careers: Explore career ideas, training options, and get help and advice. 

Amazing apprenticeships: Information and videos about different types of apprenticeships

Into Higher Education: A guide from Disability UK