Supported internships

A supported internship is a college study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND usually lasting one academic year. They are primarily workplace-based and provide:

• skills for work
• support from an expert job coach
• a qualification.

A supported internship can help if you:

• have an education, health, and care (EHC) plan
• want to work
• require additional support

The NDTi website has a easy-read guide on supported internships.

Supported internships in Camden

The following organisations provide supported internships in Camden:

• Choices College
• Supported internships: Preparation for work

For more information contact [email protected]

In March 2025 there is a brand-new supported internship opening, which will be based in Camden. The HS2 programme in partnership with the Shaw Trust will offer two supported internships, based in Euston with SCS Railways.

The Shaw Trust HS2 Supported Internship program is a one-year, full-time program starting at the beginning of March 2025. Interns will study one day a week, working towards an accredited Level 2 Work Skills Progression Award - Employability qualification, linked to their work placements. They will also be offered functional skills up to Level 2 in Maths and English, if they meet the required level. Interns will be in placement four days a week, from 9 am to 3 pm.

Applications are being accepted now. For any applications and/or queries, please contact Saimmah Ali at the Shaw Trust [email protected]

Supported internships open days

Ambitious College at the Whittington Hospital

Date: Wednesday 23 April
Location: Whittington Education Centre, Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London N19 5N
Time: 4pm - 5pm

For more information and tickets, visit: Whittington Hospital supported internship open day

Supported internships in neighbouring boroughs

The following organisations provide supported internships in neighbouring boroughs:

• 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

The West London Alliance has a guide to supported internships

Send employment forum

The SEND Employment Forum, a key initiative under the Internships Work programme, aims to enhance employment outcomes for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The forum develops ways of working and collaborating with local partners, with the long term aim of having even more opportunities for young people with SEND which improve employment outcomes.

The following organisations sit on the SEND Employment Forum:

• Camden Council
• Swiss Cottage School
• Choices College
• Special Parent Forum
• Unity Works
• Capital City College
• SENDIASS

The forum is also a platform to share best practice and showcase successful transitions from Supported Internships in to paid employment for Camden young people with SEND. If you would like to share your journey to employment, feel free to contact us at [email protected]