The aim of supported internships is to assist young people with EHC plans to gain paid employment by supporting them to develop the skills valued by employers, enabling them to demonstrate their value in the workplace, and developing confidence in their own abilities to perform successfully at work.

Our programme lasts for one year, with our supported interns spending three days a week working on a rotation basis in three different areas of the charity; forestry, the tree nursery, and learning and skills, to gain practical skills. A fourth day each week is then spent at their local college for the theory element.

In September 2023, two new supported interns started at the Forest and were closely supported by dedicated Job Coach and Workplace Mentor, Simon Pipe: "It's a great privilege to work alongside young people whose challenges mean they could struggle to get through the door in the workplace.”

Supported Intern Harrison (17 years old) 

Harrison began his supported internship with the Forest in September as an alternative to attending school or college full time. Harrison had originally applied for a college course based at Birmingham Botanical Gardens but didn’t have the qualifications required. The SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) at this college suggested that he try a supported internship as he wanted something practical and work-based. Harrison’s Mum, Jodie, rang Solihull College to enquire about their supported internships, and following meeting with Elaine, Head of Learning and Skills at the Forest, who showed them around, and introduced them to Simon and some of the teams to get a feel for the work involved, they both decided it was exactly what Harrison had been looking for.  

Shortly after their visit, Jodie applied for the supported internship through the college and Birmingham SENAR (Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review Service). The only concern Jodie had was getting Harrison to the Forest each day, but this concern eased once she was granted a petrol allowance through Birmingham Travel Assist. 

Prior to working in the Forest, Harrison had been interested in tree work for a few years. He had watched a lot of YouTube videos about tree surgery and developed a real interest. Harrison loves being outdoors and doing practical work, so this role was a great fit for him. After school he was worried about what he might do next: “I would sit at home a lot, didn't know what I should be doing. I found my niche at the Forest. I know the path that I want to go down now and that's half the battle.”

Having spent time at the tree nursery, with the Learning and Skills team, and with forestry, it was the forestry side that became his area of work for the remainder of his internship as he enjoyed it so much. 

Whilst working at the tree nursery, Harrison covered a variety of different tasks and found collecting seeds alongside volunteers the most enjoyable. By the end of the picking season, he learnt to recognise the seeds by tree species. 

During his time with the learning and skills team, he got involved with practical tasks such as going into the Forest to cut stems of willow for class activities. Harrison was also shown how to interact with the children, which he said he liked more than he expected to. 

Harrison then worked with the forestry team that manages the Spernal area of the Forest, getting involved with tasks such as tree planting, replacing broken tree guards, and doing other general forestry maintenance. He enjoyed getting stuck into the work and being part of the team:

“I like working outside and working with people. I find it very easy to fit in, they're all nice people, easy to get on with. I was a bit nervous about what people would think of me, but everyone has been fine with me, and I'm fine with everybody.” 

Harrison’s highlights

When asked what his favourite task was, he said “I think tree planting, I feel I got a fair bit done. I could look at the field after and see the difference.” When reflecting on his time with the Forest, Harrison proudly said his stand-out moment was: “The first day I planted a hundred trees, I hit a major target.”

And his colleagues agree, here’s what Assistant Forest Ranger Ben has to say: “Harrison worked his socks off, he always does. This job can be hard physical work for all of us, but he has kept up the pace with the professionals today and he should be very proud of his efforts!”

Supported internships growing confidence

Job Coach Simon agrees: “Harrison blew everyone away with his practical ability and his willingness to muck in. He worked with immense zeal and was always biting at the bit to do more, whether it was out in the field, or maintaining equipment back at base. He even came in voluntarily during the college holidays because he loved the work so much. He was a fully effective member of the forestry team, and we are excited to see what he can achieve in his future career.”

Harrison was one of the last employees to be awarded the internal ‘Gold Leaf Award’ for making a special contribution to the charity. He was awarded this for choosing to work through his break time to clear dust and junk from an old workshop to create a safe space that people could use if they needed some quiet time. 

“The supported internship at Heart of England Forest is the best thing to happen to Harrison. He absolutely loved it and came home so happy, telling me all about his day. He has learnt a lot and wants to learn even more; he has really grown in confidence. He said it’s his dream job! I’d just like to say a big thank you to the Heart of England Forest for making Harrison so welcome and supported and encouraging him all the way.” – Jodie, Harrison’s Mum 

When asked what advice he would give to others looking to work in the sector, Harrison said: “If you enjoy working hard and working outside, volunteer for a bit, it may be for you.” 

The continuation of supported internships in the Forest

Harrison successfully completed his supported internship in June and is now continuing to develop his knowledge and experience through volunteering with the forestry team until he turns 18 next year. Harrison has impressed everybody with his hard work and commitment, and we are pleased to continue to support him towards his goal of becoming a professional forester. 

Making green jobs accessible for all

At the Heart of England Forest, we’re committed to making green jobs more accessible. Have a look at our jobs page for our current vacancies, and for advice and tips for careers in conservation from the Forest team here.

*Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): Extra help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)