A recent site visit kicked off the programme, which will welcome 20 interns this September to learn practical skills and prepare for future jobs.
This month, we joined Bristol City Council’s initial site visit to Greenlight, the largest independently-owned construction apprenticeship provider in England.
This visit marked the beginning of a new supported internship programme at their Bristol site — part of a national pilot for young people without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Simon and Paul from Bristol City Council arranged the visit to carry out early checks ahead of the programme’s launch. Harvey and Dan from Greenlight welcomed us and gave a tour of the site, sharing their plans and processes with enthusiasm.
Greenlight brings experience from its Plymouth site, where supported internships are in a more advanced stage. With Bristol’s facilities now developed and quality assured, the team is ready to welcome 20 interns this September.
The internship is designed to build foundational, transferrable skills to introduce young people to the world of construction. Interns will learn about tools, site roles, communication, money management, and different trades, preparing them for future apprenticeships and employment.
Bristol City Council plays a key role in enabling these opportunities through its strong local networks and support infrastructure. The SEND Employment Forum will connect Greenlight with local partners working to improve employment outcomes for young people with SEND. In addition, the council’s We Work for Everyone programme offers tailored, one-to-one support for young people who may be at risk of not progressing into work or apprenticeships.
This visit highlighted the proactive collaboration between Greenlight and Bristol City Council — a partnership rooted in creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
