This new pilot scheme will support neurodiverse young people into work thanks to The Learning Foundry

Liverpool-based training provider, The Learning Foundry, will support Liverpool City Council offer structured internships for young neurodiverse young people within the City Region.

The Supported Internship programme will see 70 young people enter the workforce within the Liverpool City Region by the end of 2025.

Liverpool City Council were one of 12 local authorities awarded £360,000to deliver Supported Internships as part of a national pilot scheme.

The pilot is for young people with special educational needs, learning difficulties, and/or a neurodiverse condition who don’t have an Education Health and Care Plan and would like to take part in a structured work-study placement.

Throughout their time on a supported internship, each learner will spend time at The Learning Foundry’s state of the art, city centre campus. For six weeks, The Learning Foundry will be coaching the young people to get ‘work ready’, while dedicated job coaches work with employers to find learners a placement to match their interests. It’s all about giving the young people a structured pathway into the world of work.

Claire Lee, Managing Director at The Learning Foundry, says:

“Offering supported internships give us the opportunity to work towards our mission of making talent shine for all people. We’ve got a track record of supporting young people in the Liverpool City Region to access the skills they need to gain meaningful and sustainable work.

“We’re really excited to have been chosen by Liverpool City Council as one of the training providers throughout the city to deliver these supported internships.”

Kate Bull, Director of Economic Strategy, Skills and Sustainability, for Liverpool City Council, said:

“This funding endorses the commitment that Liverpool has already given to supporting inclusive opportunities for young people which is embedded in the Council Plan. Our Intern to Work programme has seen great success over the last few years in helping young people who may feel excluded from the jobs market to develop the skills and confidence needed to gain employment.

“Our partners, such as The Learning Foundry, are very much part of this success and we thank them for supporting our young people as they take their first steps on the career ladder. They, and we, could not do this without you.”