Supported internships

A supported internship is a college study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Supported internships usually take one academic year, with young people spending around 70% of their time in the workplace, and the rest in school or college. See NDTi's easy-read guide to supported internships.

Supported internships are for young people who have an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) and provide:

• skills for work
• support from an expert job coach
• a personalised study programme, which may include a qualification

This video, which has British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, explains all about supported internships

Eligibility

To take part in a supported internship you must:

• be aged 16 to 25 years old
• hold an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
• have a desire to get a paid job

Where to access supported internships

The following organisations currently provide supported internships in Camden, and our surrounding boroughs:

• Choices College
• Supported Internship: Preparation for Work
• Fairshot Cafe
• Ambitious College
• Project SEARCH in Wembley Park
• The Shaw Trust
• The City of Westminster College
• Project Search Supported Internship Moorfields Eye Hospital (CCCG)
• College of North West London
• Phoenix Autism Trust - DFN Project SEARCH
• Mencap Training Academy

West London Alliance’s Supported Internships Guide provides details of supported internship opportunities in London.

How to apply

You can apply for a supported internship directly with the provider, by selecting a programme you're interested in. Each provider will give instructions for how to apply. If you need support with applying, contact us by email at supportedinternships@camden.gov.uk.

Young people's experiences

My skills coach has helped me to do the best I can do, like helping me to avoid conflict and how to do things professionally and adapt to change

Supported internship graduate, 2025

Send Employment Forum

The SEND Employment Forum is a key initiative under the government-funded Internships Work programme. The Forum aims to increase and improve employment opportunities for young people with SEND. Camden schools and colleges collaborate with local organisations to develop supported internships that match young people’s capabilities and interests.

The Forum is also a space to share what works well and celebrate our young people who have transitioned from a supported internship into paid employment. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear about your journey. Contact us by email at supportedinternships@camden.gov.uk.