Supported internships help young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) build skills, confidence, and experience in a real workplace so they can move into paid employment.
What are supported internships?
Supported internships are work-based study programmes for young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They are high quality study programmes which have been developed specifically for young people with additional support needs who may face difficulties entering the world of work after they leave school. They combine a real work placement and are intended to take place in the final year of post 16 education before young people move into paid employment.
Watch these short videos which give useful information about Supported Internships(note: similar videos are available in areas across England)
- Yorkshire and Humberside: https://youtu.be/DadQF0qDRNA
- Devon: https://youtu.be/4kp17FkpTok
Is a supported internship the same as an apprenticeship or college course?
No. Supported internships are different. They are unpaid, education-based programmes that focus on learning through work experience, with support from a job coach and a tutor. Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training, and other college courses are classroom-based.
How long does a supported internship last?
Usually between six to twelve months, depending on the programme. Interns spend most of their time at their work placement. The classroom-based elements of the supported internship are either at the classroom at the workplace or at the college.
Will my child lose benefits?
You will still be able to get benefits for your day-to-day life.
For personalised advice, speak to your social worker or a benefits adviser. They can help you understand how paid work might affect your child’s benefits.
Disability Rights UK is the best source of advice on benefits: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/content/benefits-calculator
Will my child lose their EHCP?
No. Your child will keep their EHCP while on a supported internship. The internship is part of their education and is designed to support their transition into work.
How much will it cost?
Nothing. Supported internships are funded by your local authority and education provider if your child is aged 16–24 and has an EHCP.
What happens after the internship ends?
The goal of supported internships is for your child to move into paid work. If that doesn’t happen straight away, they’ll leave with valuable experience, skills, and support to help them take the next step. This can include linking them with local supported employment provision and/or follow on support.
What happens if my child gets a job?
That’s a brilliant outcome! Paid work helps young people build independence, confidence, and reach their potential. It’s often the best next step.
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP):
- During the supported internship, there are regular reviews involving you and your child. If your child moves into paid employment and no longer needs educational support, the EHCP will be stopped, but this is always agreed together at a review meeting.
Benefits and support:
- Your child may still be eligible for some benefits, depending on their income and circumstances. Speak to a social worker or benefits adviser before starting work to understand what support will continue. Disability Rights UK is the best source of advice on benefits: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/content/benefits-calculator
If the job doesn’t work out:
- There are options. Your child can get help to find another role or access other support programmes (e.g. supported employment). The goal is to help them succeed — not to leave them unsupported.
What happens if my child doesn't get a job?
Not all young people go straight into a job following a supported internship, but they will have built skills, confidence, and experience. There will be follow on support available locally to support them into employment or other education programmes. Speak to your local authority about the options.
Can my child choose where they work?
Yes. The internship is tailored to your child’s interests and goals. The team will work with your child to find a placement/s that suits them.
What kind of jobs do supported interns do?
Interns work in real jobs in areas like retail, hospitality, administration, healthcare, IT, and more, based on their interests and strengths.
As supported internships are being developed continually there are new placements emerging on digital working, self-employment, construction and/or engineering, landscaping, creative industries and police.
Ask your local supported internship provider for what is available in your area.
How are young people supported?
Each intern has a job coach who helps them learn tasks, build confidence, and settle into the workplace. They also receive education support from their tutor.
Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/4kp17FkpTok
Will employers know how to support the intern?
Yes. Employers are supported by job coaches and local teams. They may receive training, guidance, and regular check-ins to make sure everything is going well.
Employers have a legal responsibility to support all employees, including making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This applies to interns too. Reasonable adjustments might include changes to the workplace, equipment, or how tasks are done — and they’re tailored to each young person’s needs.
Local authorities and education providers often help employers prepare by offering training, doing site visits, and making sure the right support is in place.
Can young people with SEND really get paid jobs?
Yes! Young people with SEND do get paid jobs. What matters most is early planning, starting from Year 9, with young people and their families to explore the best employment options. Supported internships are one pathway among many to employment and may not be the right pathway for all young people.
Some young people may prefer part-time work, need more time to discover what they enjoy, or take part in social enterprises or other supported routes. The key is finding what works best for each individual.
You can read the of some young people who have gone on to find meaningful, paid work here.
You can listen to parents perspective here: https://youtu.be/376C_Ysxye0
How can I find out more?
- Contact your local authority’s SEND or employment team: Information about Supported Internships in your area can be found on the SEND Local Offer for your local authority.
- Visit our resources for young people and families for more information and stories.
- Join our upcoming parent/carer session at the Internships Work conference 2026.
