What are supported internships?

Supported internships are a study programme for young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan who want to move into paid employment with extra support. Interns are aged 16 to 25 and spend a year based in the workplace five days a week, combining real work roles, classroom learning, and specialist job coaching.

We work in partnership with major employers including the NHS, Chessington World of Adventures, and Amazon, together with DFN Project SEARCH and local authorities, to deliver high-quality supported internship programmes.

Many interns progress into paid work after the programme. To support this transition, each intern also receives up to nine months of follow-on support from a job coach, helping them settle into work or continue their job search. 

Why choose a supported internship?

Supported internships help young people:

• Gain real work experience in large businesses and organisations.
• Develop job-specific and employability skills.
• Improve English and maths in practical, workplace settings.
• Build confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Strengthen social communication and teamwork.
• Work towards qualifications that support future employment.
• A structured and supportive pathway into adulthood and employment. 

Who can apply?

A young person may be eligible if they:

• Are aged 16 to 25 (18 to 25 for Amazon).
• Have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. 
• Are autistic or have a related learning difficulty.
• Want to move into paid employment.
• Can travel independently, or are working towards travel independence.
• Are willing to undertake and pass a DBS check. 
• Are willing to undertake an occupational health check (Whittington Hospital only).

How it works

The programme runs from September for one academic year. Interns are based at their host site five days a week.

Each internship includes:

• Up to three workplace rotations in different departments.
• Classroom learning led by a teacher, linked directly to the workplace.
• Daily support from specialist job coaches.
• Regular feedback to track progress and set goals.

The combination of workplace experience and tailored learning helps interns prepare for adulthood, employment, and greater independence.

Our internship sites

We currently deliver supported internships at:

Find out more

The best way to learn more is to attend an information session. These sessions let you visit the site, meet the team, hear from programme graduates, and ask questions.

If you would like more information about supported internships at Ambitious College, please get in touch.

Email: acsupportedinternships@ambitiouscollege.org.uk

Whittington: contact Rahma Maina on 07553510587

Chessington World of Adventures Resort: contact Stacia Neverson 07384 835708

Amazon: contact Grayson O’Reilly on 07376 544980