Building on success
Over four years, our leadership of the Internships Work programme has helped double the number of supported internships in England.
We are committed to keep this momentum going when the current Internships Work programme ends in March 2026.
Every local authority and region is at a different stage of their journey. So rather than offer fixed packages of support, we will work with you to codesign it. Together we can maintain quality, grow provision and improve outcomes for young people with additional support needs in your area.
Our vision for your area
Our goal is to ensure that high-quality supported internships are a sustainable pathway into employment.
We focus on rethinking organisations and equal lives, making sure that local systems are robust enough to deliver long-term impact.
How can we support you?
A menu of possibilities
Our support is tailored to you, so that you can choose the elements that address your specific challenges.
Potential areas of collaboration include:
- Strategic action planning: Expert consultancy to review existing provision and develop a roadmap for post-programme sustainability.
- SEND employment forum excellence: Support to align your forum with local economic needs, including expert chairing or ‘critical friend’ challenge to drive delivery.
- Capacity building and training: Bespoke sessions on vocational profiling, person-centred reviews, or employer engagement.
- Communities of practice: Facilitating regional or sub-regional networks to share learning, troubleshoot barriers, and benchmark quality.
- Provider quality reviews: Independent reviews of local internship providers to ensure they meet national standards and deliver genuine employment outcomes.
- Voice and engagement: Practical strategies to ensure young people and their families are at the heart of the supported internship design and review process.
Why NDTi?
Proven impact
We have a track record of driving national change and an intimate understanding of the supported internship landscape in England.
Values led
We act with humanity and are curious pioneers. We don’t just provide a ‘talking shop. We provide actionable solutions rooted in human rights.
Evidence based
We use insights from our research and evaluation work to ensure your local strategy is informed by what actually works.
Our commitment to you
In every partnership we guarantee:
Inclusion
A commitment to learning from diversity and ensuring all voices are heard.
Data integrity
Robust data security and confidentiality protocols (Cyber Essentials and GDPR compliant).
Sustainability
A focus on building your local capacity so that the impact continues long after our direct involvement.
Let's start a conversation
We believe the best solutions are cocreated.
We invite you to an initial, no obligation conversation to explore your local ambitions and how we can help you achieve them.
Preparing for Adulthood
Supported internships are closely connected to the employment pathway of Preparing for Adulthood.
This is a programme that we designed and have been delivering through a range of partnerships since 2012.