Layla's Story

Finding the Real Me

Layla Whittington is 17 and lives in Newcastle upon Tyne. She loves watching Newcastle United play football and listening to music. But school wasn’t easy for her. “I really didn’t enjoy school, left with no results, and didn’t want to go to sixth form,” she says. Layla’s mum found out about Choices College and suggested she give it a try. Read Layla's mum talk about the supported internship.

At first, Layla wasn’t sure about doing a supported internship*. “I felt really nervous as I didn’t know what to expect,” she says. But when she started working in catering and the post room, things changed. “I have learned more about myself and found the real me. I’ve improved my communication skills, and I’ve realised that I’m not embarrassed about being autistic.”

Layla also enjoyed making new friends. “I loved making friendships with my mentors and telling my family about my day.”

Overcoming Challenges

Layla had some tough moments, like when her medication was out of stock. “I found it hard to manage the whole week,” she says. The team helped by changing her schedule to three days of work and one day at college.

Layla’s team was very supportive. “Kelly and Lorna sorted all the important bits. My mentors, Amy in catering and Neil and Tony in the post room, were amazing. They supported me to complete jobs independently, made me laugh, and encouraged me to look for jobs.”

A big moment for Layla was when she gave a presentation at the Civic Centre about internships. “I’m so proud of being able to do a presentation to lots of people,” she says. She also passed her functional maths and English. “Passing was a huge moment for me.”

Two photos of Layla at her graduation. The first photo is of Layla and Tony, her mentor. The second photo is of Layla with Lorna and Kelly.

Living the Dream

After finishing her internship in July, Layla wanted a job. In September, she started working at the Day Treatment Centre at Freeman Hospital. “I absolutely love it!” she says. “The team is brilliant—it’s like a big family. They didn’t know about my autism, and I have felt very comfortable talking to them about it.”

Layla enjoys telling her family about her work. “I never did this when I was at school. My confidence is still growing, and I’m loving learning new skills.”

“I think supported internships are amazing, learning on the job is great. I wish more people knew about them, there are so many students like me who could really benefit.” – Layla, sharing her thoughts about supported internships.

Layla at her job in blue scrubs next to a hospital chair.

Reflection and Advice To Her Peers

Layla is thankful for her mentors and the friendships she made. “The banter with Neil and Tony about football teams, and with Lorna and Kelly—I’m so happy they were there for me. I finally felt recognised as a person, which never happened at school. They never leave your side, even now I’m working. I know I can ask for support.”

Layla wants more people to know about supported internships. “I think they are amazing. Learning on the job is great rather than lots of reading and writing, which can be hard,” she says. “I wish more people knew about what is out there.”

Her advice to others is clear: “Absolutely 100% go for it. I’d love to go back to my old school and speak with the students like me who were overlooked and not given the right support. I know there will be lots who could really benefit from an internship.”

Could a Supported Internship Be Right for You?

A supported internship can help you learn new skills, feel confident, and achieve your dreams—just like Layla. Talk to your school, college, or local authority to find out what’s available near you and start your journey today!

*What Are Supported Internships?

Supported internships are work-based training programmes for young people with additional needs, designed to help them gain skills and confidence for paid jobs. These programmes combine workplace experience with tailored support, such as job coaches.

How to Get Involved

To join a supported internship, contact your school, college, or local authority to explore available options. These programmes are typically for young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Some pilots also accept those without an EHCP. Your education provider or a job coach can guide you to the right programme and support you through the process.