Surrey has shared the inspiring journeys of Daniel, Maxi, and Harry—three young people who have taken part in the pilot programme for Supported Internships without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Daniel and Maxi’s stories offer bite-sized snapshots of their progress, while Harry’s experience provides a deeper look into the transformative impact of the programme.
Maxi’s Story
Supported internship start: 7th May 2023
Paid employment start: 19th July 2023
Maxi was part of our first intake of supported interns without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in 2023. He had a clear idea of his ideal profession as he really enjoys cooking and although he had some experience working in a burger van, he had a developed range of informal cooking skills in the home.
He began working in Nandos in May, initially in a front-of-house role. He soon worked his way into the kitchen, where he supported food preparation and cleaning. More recently, Maxi progressed to the front grill which is where the chickens are grilled, the dishes are created and presented for serving.
During this time Maxi proved himself to be a valuable team member and was offered paid work from July 2023. Maxi has built good relationships with colleagues and managers and, due to a recent new Nandos opening close by, is now working at two sites.
Daniel’s Story
Supported internship start: 26th June 2024
Paid employment start: 16th September 2024
Daniel was part of our second intake of supported interns without an EHCP in 2024. While he didn’t have any specific work goals, he expressed interest in catering as he previously had some experience doing washing up in a café. But one thing that was important to Daniel was proximity to home.
The largest employer to his home is the University of Surrey and Daniel began working in one of the restaurants there at the end of June. As it was during the summer holidays there was a large fluctuation in visitors depending on which events, conferences or courses were running so Daniel gained some valuable experience coping with both busy and quiet days.
Daniel was pleased with the experience and wanted to continue working there during term time and secured paid work for the busy lunch shift from September onwards.
Daniel is now relocating for personal reasons, but leaves the programme is in a really good position with a good CV and solid work experience to secure further employment when he settles in the new area.
Harry’s Journey Through the Programme
Harry joined our second intake of supported interns without an EHCP in 2024, consisting of ten participants. Despite facing significant challenges during his time at school—particularly with attendance due to high anxiety and a diagnosis of ASC—he quickly stood out as a valued member of the group.
During initial assessments, it became clear that Harry required additional time to process information, and he often found it difficult to stay focused. He also struggled with organisation, planning, and seeking help when needed. Social situations made him uncertain, yet his natural charisma emerged quickly among his peers. By day two, Harry had already become a central figure, encouraging the group to head into town together for lunch and a friendly game of pool—a testament to his growing confidence and leadership.
Harry attended the group sessions consistently and participated actively. He expressed a strong interest in gaining qualifications, particularly through the Maths and English Functional Skills component of the programme. Harry passed the English Functional skills level 1 Writing Paper.
From the outset, Harry’s passion for the fitness industry was evident. Highly active and sporty, he remained open to trying new experiences but remained clear that fitness was his long-term ambition. In August, we were thrilled to secure him a supported internship placement at the Village Hotel Gym in Farnborough—an upper-middle-tier facility known for being a vibrant community hub.
Harry quickly immersed himself in the gym environment, showing tremendous dedication and enthusiasm. He consistently went above and beyond, often staying late to contribute more. His independent travel to and from the gym showed increased autonomy, and he formed strong relationships with staff and members alike.
Understanding the importance of formal qualifications for securing paid work, Harry worked with his Employment Support Specialist to identify suitable training options. Funding for an NVQ Level 2 in Gym Instruction was secured through the SSEF fund, enabling Harry to take the next step in his professional journey.
Although his initial placement was voluntary, Harry’s commitment and contributions earned him a paid role—solidifying his place within the gym team.
Harry continues to study towards his NVQ Level 2 qualification and remains employed at the Village Hotel Gym. At the end of the programme, recognising the need for continued support, he was signposted to an additional work programme tailored to his ongoing development. Regular reviews have highlighted remarkable growth in Harry’s communication skills, confidence, and motivation.
His journey has been one of resilience, determination, and transformation—and we are incredibly proud of how far he has come.
