Mencap Training Academy - Supported Internships Worcester

Some of our current learners are ready for their next step into paid jobs.
As an employer, your awareness of disability and neurodiversity is key to unlocking their potential and building a stronger, more inclusive team.

​Disability awareness in the workplace isn't just about physical access; it’s about recognising that every brain processes information differently.

​Neurodiversity includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. Under the Equality Act 2010, these are often recognised as disabilities. This means employers have a legal and ethical duty to ensure these individuals are not disadvantaged.

We have created an employer hints and tips guide on interview reasonable adjustments to help you be Disability Confident & Neuroinclusive

​1. Before the Interview:

​Send questions in advance: Give the candidate 24–48 hours to process the questions. This reduces anxiety and leads to better, more detailed answers.

​Provide a "Route Map": Send a photo of the entrance and the interview room, along with clear directions. This helps with navigation and reduces sensory stress.

​Offer an alternative to "The Board": Panels can be intimidating. Consider a 1-on-1 chat or a practical work trial instead.

​Check sensory needs: Ask if the candidate prefers the lights dimmed or a room away from a noisy kitchen or printer.

​2. During the Interview:

Use "Plain English": Avoid metaphors, idioms (like "hit the ground running"), or vague corporate jargon.
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Be specific: Instead of asking "Tell me about yourself," ask "Tell me about your experience using Excel in your last project."
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Allow for "Processing Time": After asking a question, wait a few extra seconds for the candidate to think before prompting them.

​Don't judge body contact/eye contact: Many neurodivergent people may find eye contact difficult or may fidget (stim) to focus. This does not mean they aren't listening or capable.

​3. Assessing the Candidate: Disability Awareness

​Focus on "Can Do": Look for the skills required for the actual task, not just how well they "perform" in a social interview setting.

​Value different thinking: Does the candidate offer a unique way of solving a problem you mentioned?

​Identify potential adjustments early: If a candidate struggles with a specific part of the interview, ask yourself: "Is this a barrier I can remove with a simple adjustment if I hire them?"

When interviewing a learner from Mencap, remember that they may be accompanied by a Skills Coach. The coach is there to help facilitate communication and provide anxiety support, not to answer for the candidate.
Inviting a Skills Coach into the interview is a powerful act of disability awareness. It shows you value the candidate’s support system and are committed to seeing their true potential.

Our first local newsletter is here! Written by one of our current SI students — hasn’t she done wonderfully? 💫

With Christmas holiday on the horizon many of our young people will have more online exposure. West Mercia police have a 1 hour session on Child Exploitation free for parents and guardians.

Online safety (Child exploitation) session

Date: 10 dec • 12:00-13.00

Online safety (Child exploitation) session for parents and guardians Join us for an eye-opening online session on exploitation and online safety aimed at parents and guardians to children of all ages

Come and visit us to find out more about our courses, see the session room and meet the staff on the 19th November. Please let us know if you are interested!
County House, WR11HB.

Come and say hi and find out a little more about us at the Life Beyond School Event at Sixways!

Fantastic first week with the new cohort!
Work experience is already underway, and what an amazing start. A huge thank you to Worcester Cricket Club, Tesco, Enviromontel, and Script Haven for providing such fantastic opportunities and welcoming experiences this week. 🙌

The cohort are gaining valuable insights, building confidence, and getting hands-on learning that will set the tone for the rest of their journey. Excited to see what the coming weeks will bring!

A standout feature of the local supported internship is travel training—practical, hands-on coaching in using public transport safely and independently.
Our Skills Coaches play a crucial role, helping individuals learn to plan routes, understand timetables, manage fares, and navigate real-world transport systems. We have been out and about over Worcestershire providing direct travel support to empower our learners to build independence and confidence—a skill that extends well beyond work placements and into everyday community life.

Happy Cat Day!
Cats can offer significant benefits to neurodivergent people by providing comfort, companionship, and a calming presence. Their predictable behavior and quiet nature can be soothing for those who are sensitive to sensory input. Interacting with cats—such as petting or simply sitting near them—can reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, and offer emotional regulation. Because cats don’t demand constant interaction, they allow for social connection without overwhelming pressure, making them ideal companions for individuals with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent conditions.
Share your fluffy friends!

Week 4- Skills Coach Melissa!
Melissa always has a smile on her face! She promotes enthusiasm for the learners by setting clear goals, creating a supportive environment, and recognising achievements with a dash of fun.
Next week: our administrator Eileen

Week 3 - Skills coach Amelia.
Amelia is highly passionate about her role and demonstrates this in her daily life. She is determined to support our learners to succeed.
We have 2 places left in Support Internship, and 4 in our pre-internship.

Next week: Skills coach Melissa!