Brighton’s training charity builds a supported route into paid work

Learning a job can take more than a classroom. In Brighton, Team Domenica combines lessons with work in its cafés and training pub, giving young people with learning disabilities and autism time to practise with support.

The charity opened a new education centre above the North Star pub on Wednesday. It says 84% of people who completed its Supported Internship Programme have moved into paid employment.

Its programme guide explains the steps: practical training and three external placements in the first year, followed by a longer internship with a partner employer.

That employment figure describes programme completers, so it does not tell us what happens to everyone who starts. The charity’s typical education route also spans more than a year.

Support continues after someone gets a job, with help for both the worker and their employer. That makes the transition less abrupt: the aim is to help a young person find their place at work, then have someone to turn to while they settle in.

Sources

• BBC — new centre and reported employment outcomes
• Team Domenica — placements, internships and ongoing support
• Team Domenica — the North Star’s location and training role