What are supported internships?
We offer supported internships for young people who want to work in a competitive employment. The unpaid supported internships form part of the intern’s education and equips young people with special educational needs and disabilities with the skills needed for adulthood and employment.
The programme takes place in a business setting. Learners are totally immersed in the workplace, learning through continuous feedback, and gaining real employability and competitive work skills.
See what rotations are available for young people at Whittington Hospital.
Who is it for?
- Are you 16-25 years old with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan?
- Do you have autism or a related learning difficulty?
- Would you like to get a paid job in the future?
- Are you an independent traveller?
If you answered yes to the above, a Supported Internship with Ambitious College could be the opportunity for you!
Applications are still open
Applications are still open for our supported internships programme this year.
For more information about applying for the programme please email our admissions team at admissions@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
Upcoming events
Meet recent graduates, current interns and the team who manage the programme at the open event at The Whittington Hospital
New dates coming soon
If this event sounds interesting to you or someone you know, please contact admissions@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk to book your place.
DFN Project SEARCH skills assessment and interview event at The Whittington Hospital
New dates coming soon
What does a typical day include?
A typical day includes:
- classroom instruction in employability and independent living skills
- participation at one or more internship rotations
- social interaction within their internship department
- regular feedback from the instructor, job coaches, and business colleagues.
See what rotations are available for young people at Whittington Hospital.
How we support you
Individualised internships and job development continue throughout the year. These are based on an individual’s strengths, skills, and interests. Interns are supported through on-the-job coaching and improvement strategies, the ultimate goal being to help them obtain paid employment and live independently.
This is an exciting opportunity for young people who are eligible to learn a wide variety of skills ranging from housekeeping, administration, portering, and customer service.
You can find out more by downloading our factsheet for young people and parents.
Benefits of supported internships
Supported internships are a great opportunity for young people with autism to combine work with their education. Benefits of a supported internship include:
- learning new skills that could be used in future employment
- building confidence and life skills
- support from trained job coaches to help you succeed increase social networks
- travel and lunch costs covered
- opportunities to gain accredited and practical qualifications.
Our Partnership Model
Ambitious College, using the Project Search model, works with the Whittington Hospital to support interns develop workplace skills.
The programme runs from September for one academic year, with interns based at the Whittington five days a week.
Supported internships also benefit employers to learn what young people with additional needs can contribute and achieve.
Find out more about supported internships
If you would like more information about the supported internship programme, please contact our Admissions team at admissions@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk with the subject line: 'Supported internships'.
Checkout our latest supported internships flyer.
