VOLUNTARY and community sector youth work organisation Young Somerset has partnered with Somerset Skills and Learning (SSL) to launch opportunities for youngsters to be a part of a supported internships programme.

The programme starts on September 9 and is a work-based educational course presenting an opportunity to improve the life chances of young people who have special educational needs (SEN) by supporting them to obtain the necessary skills to progress to sustained, paid employment.

Four days a week will be in the workplace at the Bold and Brave gift shop and cafe, in Taunton, gaining experience in hospitality, business, digital and retail, while being supported by a job coach.

The other day will be with SSL working on employability skills and the potential to gain qualifications in food hygiene, customer service, manual handling, and digital skills.

Places are still available for the internships, which will run through to July next year.