Young people with special educational needs are being invited to discover opportunities to gain first-hand work experience.

Cheshire East Council is hosting an engagement event at Macclesfield Town Hall to mark National Supported Internship Day, March 27.

Running from 9.45am to 11am, the session aims to highlight the 'life-changing' benefits of supported internships for young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

 Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East's children and families committee, said: "This hugely important scheme is highly beneficial to young people with an EHCP who need that unique first-hand experience, transferable skills and confidence building which they may struggle to find elsewhere, so it's crucial we spread news of the scheme far and wide.

"We've seen some amazing success stories from individuals who have gone on to secure paid work which has helped to encourage their independence and boost employability skills – so it's key that we take the time to celebrate National Supported Internship Day to promote the placement opportunities on offer.

"I'd urge residents with young people with an ECHP to come along to the session and find out more, alongside any employers who are looking for additional support where they can find the perfect match for their organisation."

Supported internships match a young person with an EHCP to an organisation, which usually lasts for 12 months with the individual being fully supported by a job coach at the place of work.

The job coach trains the intern to do the job, building on skills, confidence and independence.

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The scheme has been running in Cheshire East since 2019, with 216 young people having taken part, 59% of whom have progressed into paid work.

This year follow-along support has also been incorporated to ensure interns are supported for at least 12 months after completing the programme.

Residents can register for the Macclesfield Town Hall session on March 27 here.