Supporting the future of supported internships
Whilst the funded programme ended in March 2026, all tools, guidance and resources created through Internships Work remain available on this page.
You can also find out what support is continuing through our partner organisations below.
How can we support you?
We will work with you to codesign your supported internship journey.
Every local authority and region is at a different stage of their journey. We want you to choose the elements that address your specific challenges. Together we can maintain quality, grow provision and improve outcomes for young people with additional support needs in your area.
About Internships Work
Internships Work was funded by the Department for Education to expand high‑quality supported internships in England for young people aged 16–24 with additional needs.
It was delivered between April 2022 and March 2026 by a partnership of NDTi, BASE and DFN Project SEARCH.
The programme supported local authorities, education providers, employers and job coaches to grow provision, strengthen quality and improve outcomes for young people.
The final year of Internships Work also saw the development of a pilot to provide supported internships to young people without Education Health and Care Plans (ECHPs).
Although the programme has now ended, its resources, learning and tools remain available.
Learn more about the impact of the programme:
Tools and resources
Stories about supported internships
Internships Work: Resources for young people and families
Internships Work: Resources for local authorities
Internships Work: Resources for training providers and colleges
Internships Work: Resources for job coaches
Internships Work: Resources for employers
What happens next?
Supported internships remain a key part of national SEND employment policy.
The Department for Education expects local authorities and education providers to continue offering supported internships, in line with the SEND Code of Practice and Local Offer requirements.
The non-ECHP pilot will continue in 2026 with grant provision being managed directly by the Department for Education.
Ongoing support from programme partners:
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)
We continue to offer tailored support to local authorities and regions to help grow, strengthen and sustain high‑quality supported internships.
British Association for Supported Employment (BASE)
BASE continues to offer free introductory training on supported employment through its Community Platform Learning, as well as wider support for the supported employment workforce.
DFN Project SEARCH
DFN Project SEARCH continues to deliver supported internships across the UK, Ireland and Iberia, working directly with employers, education providers and learners.
Delivery explained
Support to local authorities
SEND employment forums for all local authorities in England
NDTi supported local authorities to establish and develop SEND employment forums as well as administrating and monitoring Section 14 grants to support them with this programme.
Engaging and supporting employers
Growth in internships and job opportunities
DFN Project SEARCH led on engaging employers and supporting them to offer high quality work placements by providing information, advice and training that enable growth in internships and job opportunities.
Quality Assurance
Establishing a Supported Internships Quality Framework (SIQAF)
BASE led on establishing a sustainable process to improve the quality of Supported Internship provision, using the Supported Internship Quality Assurance Framework (SIQAF). The SIQAF now provides organisations with support on completing self-assessments and auditing so that they can work towards achieving a quality kitemark that shows that they are providing true Supported Internships that lead to real jobs
Invested in training
200 trained job coaches
BASE led on delivering Job Coach & Systematic Instruction training to over 200 job coaches. The training was in line with the Supported Employment National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Get in touch
Find out how we can help you with transitions into adulthood through a range of tailored support:
