Mencap

We are Mencap. We are passionate about changing the world for everyone with a learning disability. 

Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. Our free helpline service offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers

Please visit our website for more information

Mencap Training Academy Supported Internships and pre-internships

If you are a young person aged 16 to 24 and you have an Education, Health and Care plan, and you would like to learn the skills you need to get a job then the Mencap Training Academy’s supported internship programme might be for you. This is a programme that offers people with a learning disability and/or autism, aged 16 to 24 years old, the opportunity to get practical work-based learning experience, providing a smooth transition from education to paid employment or further study.

Learners on our supported internships will:

• Attend one of our classrooms 2 days a week (09.30 - 15.30) between September and July. Our sessions teach the skills and behaviours learners will need for the workplace.
• We can also support learners work toward English and maths level 2 qualifications without needing to sit exams. We can support learners to put together portfolios of classroom work that can be submitted for consideration for qualifactions.
• Complete a minimum of 420 hours of work experience. We have sourced a range of fantastic placements with companies such as Greene King, Guinness World Records, Sanctuary Care, Bella Italia, BNP Paribas Real Estate and Mitie.

Learners on our pre-internship programmes will:

• Have done less previous work experience. They may want a job but don’t yet feel ready to do 420 hours of work experience.
• Attend classroom sessions 3 days a week (09.30 to 16.00) between September and July. We focus on developing learners’ employability skills and confidence.
• Complete some work experience, starting in March. Learners will benefit from other forms of employer engagement as well like visits to employer

Where is the programme?

We have classrooms in west London (Ealing), north west London (Barnet) and central London (Islington). The nearest location for many young people from Kensington and Chelsea is likely our west London programme. You can find individual pages about our programmes in these areas on our website.