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  1. Education for 16-24s
  2. For employers
  3. Employer FAQs

Supported Internships Employer FAQs

Hear from other employers and interns         Contact us to find out more

Are we taking advantage of these interns by not paying them?

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No.

Whilst interns are not paid, they are fully funded as if they were still at college. Their time with you is voluntary and they increase their experience and value to you, as a potential future employee. 

During this time, you get to know them well, their quality of work, reliability, fit and productivity. 

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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As an employer, what extra do I need to do if we have an intern?

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Usually very little.

You will need to provide effective line management and supervision of the intern as you would with other employees, although a lot of support will be provided by the bemix Work Coach, especially at first.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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Do we have the right insurance to cover unpaid workers?

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Yes.

Standard employee insurance covers any unpaid workers too.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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How does a supported internship help me save money with recruitment?

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Recruiting just one new staff member costs an average of £5,000*

It takes a risk with someone you don’t know well. If your intern is right for the job, you can bypass the crowded jobs market and simply appoint them, saving all that money and uncertainty. Hiring an intern who can do the job is positive action under the Equality Act 2010. They’re also much more likely to stick at the job, having already proved themselves. 

A supported internship could fill a post beset by high staff turnover. We select young people who are committed, loyal and motivated. They want to work! We can also help adapt your recruitment process and policies to make them more accessible, also at no cost.

* Source: Acas http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5434

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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How is this different from work experience?

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Job-matching and full on-site support.

bemix ensures that we match the right interns for the right job. We spend time to find the right fit for you.

Combined with the on-site support by the bemix work coach, your intern will fulfil an existing business needs, so no need to ‘design’ activities. 

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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How much will this cost my business?

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No cost

Our Interns are fully funded and supported within the workplace by a bemix Work Coach. There is no salary, no contract and no financial obligation. bemix organise everything and do not charge for any part of their services to you.

bemix takes time to understand your business and the specific business needs, so there is very little time required outside those of a normal operating business.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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How successful have placements been?

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Very.

Most young people have life-changing experiences whilst working as interns.  They gain confidence, maturity and experience throughout their placements. Many interns are employed at the end of their term and more have life changing experiences that set them up for their next steps, whether that be an apprenticeship, specific vocational qualification or simply being more confident to achieve more.

Businesses have learnt more, gained loyal and willing staff, seen existing staff morale increase and become more aware of a wider market place in terms of employees and customer base.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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I have no experience in supporting a person with learning disabilities or autism. What if I get it wrong?

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If the match with the job is good and the right support is in place, a person with learning disabilities or autism can work as well as anyone else. What’s really essential is the kind of supportive line management you would give to anyone in your team. We’re there for you, at the end of the phone whenever you have any concerns. We’ll complement that with as much guidance and training as you need to understand and work with the support needs of your intern.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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Is health and safety considered if we take an intern on?

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Yes.

bemix pay for and provide a personal and independent Health & Safety assessment for each Intern, which is shared with you before the placement begins.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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Is there any training available to us as employers, for our staff?

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 Yes.

bemix can provide free Autism awareness training, tailored to your intern.  We also take time to help you and your staff understand more about your intern, before and during and throughout the Supported Internship.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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Who manages issues with the intern if it doesn’t work out at any point?

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bemix manages everything for you and ensures the intern has an alternative placement to go to. If the placement starts going wrong, be honest and act quickly. Contact your Work Coach and explain your concerns, so that any issues can hopefully be resolved quickly. It may be a skills gap, a difference in expectations between the intern and employer, a behaviour concern or simply a misunderstanding by the young person or employer. 

Identifying the problem quickly is the best way to resolve it, thereby hopefully avoiding a possible breakdown of the placement.

Each month we have a workplace review with you to discuss the role and next steps and if we identify there were issues, we would identify them early and make alternate provision.

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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Won’t an intern and work coach disrupt my team and affect productivity?

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Quite the opposite! 

Our goal is to add to your resources, not drain them. Our coach complements the line management support you would provide for any staff member, and won’t get in the way. We are skilled at being unobtrusive in the workplace. The internship offers a chance for another team member to develop professionally as a supervisor or mentor, and promotes a supportive culture across your team. We’ll back that up with free-of-charge disability awareness training. An intern could support succession planning, if any staff need advancement or are close to retirement. Your intern could also happily take on routine tasks, freeing up skilled staff to focus on what they do best! 

Published: 22nd May, 2020

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bemix is the trading name of bemix (formerly Skillnet Group). Company No. 4567984. Incorporation date: 21/10/02 Incorporated in the United Kingdom. Main Registered Office: bemix, Office 44 Canterbury Innovation Centre, University Road, Canterbury, CT2 7FG

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