The Mencap Training Academy is part of the Royal Mencap Society and is a provider of supported internship programmes. We work with young people aged between 16 and 24 who have an EHCP and who want to find a job.
We help them to do this through our programme that runs for an academic year from September to July during which time, learners will:
- Complete a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. As a leading charity we work with lots of different local and national businesses to provide opportunities for our learners that match their skills, needs and interests. In London, we work with the likes of Greene King, Delfont Mackintosh, Fair Shot Cafe, Bella Italia, Mitie and Guinness World Records. Learners are supported in their work placements by a Mencap skills coach who will help them to learn certain tasks and make sure they have the support they need to succeed in work.
- Attend sessions at one of our classrooms to learn about the skills and behaviours needed for the world of work. Between September and December this will be for 2 days a week. Then from January this will reduce to 1 day a week as learners focus more on their work experience. Our nearest classroom to young people from Brent is in Barnet at: Unit 3, 30 Friern Park, North Finchley N12 9DA.
The aim of the programme is for learners to move on into a paid job of 16+ hours. This may be with the employer with whom they do work experience, or we will support them to apply for other jobs where they can use the skills and experiences developed while on the programme.
Pre-internship option
If you do not think you are quite ready yet to complete 420 hours of work experience, then we also offer a pre-internship study programme option. On this programme, learners will:
- Attend sessions at our classroom for 4-5 days a week to learn about the skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the world of work
- Engage with employers through visits to employer sites and from guest speakers
- Complete some, more limited work experience, most likely toward the end of the year.
The aim of the pre-internship is for learners to successfully move on to the full supported internship programme the next year.
If you are interested in enrolling on our full supported internship or pre-internship programme or would like to enquire on behalf of a family member or someone you support, then please complete our online expression of interest form or get in touch.