A scheme offering work placements to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities has been launched by Kirklees College.

The college is running supported internships to students in its Foundation Learning department based in Huddersfield and Dewsbury with the aim of helping them into employment.

Nineteen students – 10 from Huddersfield and nine from Dewsbury – are taking part in the pilot in which work placements are matched to the students’ interests.

Jenny Evans, head of foundation learning, said: “Working alongside local employers, Kirklees College supported internships will provide a unique study programme, tailored to the individual to equip young people with learning difficulties or disabilities with the skills they need for the workplace.

“It will be a great way for our students not only to learn new skills but to prepare them for work so that hopefully they will get a job that suits them at the end.”

Kirklees College, Manchester Road, Huddersfield.

The government-led supported internships scheme helps young people aged 16 to 24 with learning difficulties or disabilities to find work. The idea is for colleges to help young people find a job that suits their abilities and create a unique study programme so all students can learn the necessary skills to do the job.

Study programmes include on-the-job training with expert coaches responsible for supporting both students and their employers.

The scheme can also give young people the opportunity to take courses to develop other relevant skills, such as effective communication or understanding money.

All learners will complete a qualification – either the Pearson E3 Award in Customer Service or the Pearson L1 Award in the Principles of Customer Service. They will also work towards improving English and maths skills.

The 19 taking part are Ryan Clarke, of Deighton, Georgina Gordon (Huddersfield), Edward Hardingham (Primrose Hill), Joe Harty (Shelley),Sam Larkin (Halifax), Alyx Leech (Honley), Darren Nixon (Deighton), Simone Quashie (Marsh), Luke Skelton (Holmfirth), Josh Thorpe (Skelmanthorpe), Kyle Briggs (Chickenley), Corey Crossland (Dewsbury Moor), Nabeel Mohammed (Dewsbury), Harry Newey (Gomersal), Naeemullah Patel (Batley), Fenton Shaw (Thornhill Lees), Sam Wells (Mirfield), Kyle West (Birstall) and Ryan Wood (Thornhill).

For details visit www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk , email info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk or call 01484 437070.