This inspiring case study was written and kindly shared by schuh, who share the positive impact their supported internship partnership with Liverpool City Council’s Intern to Work programme has had.
In the case study, schuh explains how the interns have grown in independence, gained pride in their work, and in many cases progressed into paid jobs. Their staff have also seen how much difference a supportive and inclusive workplace can make, not only to the young people involved but to the whole team.
We’re grateful to schuh for sharing their story and for their ongoing commitment to creating welcoming workplaces where every young person has the chance to succeed.
Case study
schuh celebrates its inclusive supported intern programme that is transforming young lives through retail employment.
October 2025 – Leading fashion footwear retailer schuh is celebrating the success of its supported intern partnership with Liverpool City Council’s Intern to Work programme. Since 2022, schuh has provided supported internship and employment opportunities to 16-24 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in its Liverpool stores.
Supported internships are work-based study programs designed to grow confidence and get young SEND people ready for employment. The programme is helping young people with SEND to build confidence, workplace skills and independence. The initiative has resulted in nine paid job offers, with six interns progressing into permanent employment.
Kyle, schuh Store Manager at Liverpool Shopping Park, said: “You can really see the impact this has had on the young people. At the start of the interview process many were nervous and told me they never thought they’d be able to get a job in retail. I wanted to break down those barriers, and the confidence that they have now has made it so worth it for me and the team.”
Bethany, who came to schuh as an intern, now plays a key role in store as a Stockroom Assistant and supports new interns as they begin their own journey.
“Before I was in the internship, I was looking for a job for a while, and I wasn’t getting anywhere” Bethany shared. “But I have finally got a job here at schuh, which I’m very happy about. I started off learning stockroom basics, getting boxes for orders and packing them away. I also learned how to teach other people, and that was very empowering because it feels like my work is helpful.”
With support from Liverpool’s Intern to Work employment job coach, interns gain employability skills, hands-on experience in a welcoming environment that celebrates differences and empowers growth.
Liverpool City Council employment support coach, Bhumika Palni said: “The internship has transformed the lives of our young people in so many ways. It’s given them a sense of belonging, access to a supportive community and the opportunity to earn their own income. One of my interns mentioned to me that this Christmas, for the first time, she will be buying presents for her family and friends with her own money. That moment of pride and independence is incredibly powerful. Financial and social independence are important milestones and thanks to schuh, our interns are achieving them.”
This approach to inclusive employment shows that creating accessible, welcoming workplaces not only benefits the individuals hired but also teams, customers and the wider community.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, Cllr Joanne Kennedy said: “Our Intern to Work scheme shows the power of inclusive employment, helping young people with SEND in Liverpool turn potential into progress and support learners into paid employment. This success reflects the dedication of our interns, passionate staff, and supportive local businesses like schuh who believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive.”
Alongside this, schuh also works with local colleges and schools in Livingston, Scotland, to offer work experience opportunities. schuh offer its store staff disability confidence training and neurodiversity training to support neurodiverse and disabled customers. There is a single-shoe initiative in all stores, so a customer with a limb difference or disability can purchase a single schuh, and a 50% discount will be applied. schuh observes quiet hours in a number of its stores, and is committed to equal opportunities and employing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
For more information, please contact stephanie@schuh.co.uk.
About schuh
schuh is one of the leading fashion footwear retailers with over 120 stores in the UK, Ireland and online, selling over 100 of the hottest brands alongside their own-label collection.
schuh’s edit of the most sought-after styles and latest trends is curated to encourage and embrace self-expression and freedom in personal style. And when the schuh don’t fit? No stress – just return them within a year.
In a world of labels, schuh stands with those who are unbound by conventions and is known for its distinctive and inclusive in-store atmosphere, frictionless online experience and unrivalled customer service.
About Liverpool City Council supported internships
The programme, which has empowered hundreds of 16 to 24-year-olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access to work and education opportunities in the city, has seen more than 50% of interns progress into paid work or further education.
The “Interns to Work” programme involves interns enrolling full-time at a local school or college where they will study a personalised programme which may include English and Maths.
Learners work with trained job coaches who provide individual and tailored support and help to match them to a placement or employer which will last between 6-12 months.
Young people with SEND can be referred for a supported internship regardless of whether they have an Educational Health and Care Plan in place or not.
The council is also offering a further type of support to this group of young people – through the Empower Job Design Programme which sees job roles customised or created by employers to suit an individual’s skills.
