Monday 27 March is National Supported Internship Day 2023, which raises awareness of this brilliant opportunity which is benefitting employers and people with disabilities alike.

United Response provides supported internships in locations around the country for people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs. They are work-based study programmes that really can kickstart a young person’s career or put them on the path to employment.

Joanne Milburn, who runs our supported employment offer in the North of England, said:

I can think of no better way for people with learning disabilities or autism to prepare themselves for employment than an internship.

It gives them skills, confidence and something for their CV that makes them an ideal candidate for permanent employment down the line. Meeting just one student on our programme will convince you of that.

DFN Project SEARCH, who run the day, said that supported internships see up to 70% of their graduates go on to gain paid employment. This is an outstanding achievement given the low percentage of people with a learning disability or autism who are in full-time employment.

Beyond the obvious financial benefit of a wage coming in, employment can widen people’s worlds and offer new opportunities. It’s a natural way to meet new people, develop transferable skills and can bring someone a new sense of independence.

For employers, it’s a great way to fill vacancies in a tough recruitment environment, develop their own staff’s line management skills, as well as meeting corporate social responsibility objectives in a way that connects them to their local community. Plus a job-coach is assigned to each intern to support them and their employer throughout the placement, and help make a success of it.

Meet some of our interns

Elliot: cooking up a storm in Torquay

Elliot has been working in The Cottage Café in Torquay, which opened last November to provide supported internship opportunities for students from ROC College. Elliot has been learning new cooking and barista skills as well as customer service – all of which will be essential when he applies for permanent roles. 

Elliot said:

I’ve really liked my experience working here, as I’ve always wanted to work in a restaurant or café. It’s been a really good part of my time at ROC College.  

You can also hear from Elliot in this short video:

Kara Gelder, a Job Coach Tutor who supports people in the café, said:

Elliot has really blossomed since working here. His confidence has come along in leaps and bounds.

He’s taking initiative and keeps us entertained with his jokes in the kitchen.

It’s so positive to see people making progress towards their employment goals. I love it!

The Cottage Cafe team
The Cottage Café team with Elliot in the centre

Corey: gaining confidence working in healthcare

Corey has been enjoying an internship in the domestic department at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, and his enthusiasm is clear to see.

He said:

I feel happy. The staff are all so funny and awesome – they are like a family.

His manager at the hospital was also happy to see how well Corey was progressing:

Corey’s self-confidence has grown from when he first started. He has made friends and is doing an amazing job.

Corey has developed skills in teamwork, independence and people skills. We want to keep him on after his internship ends.

Corey hard at work

Ben: a sporting success

Ben loves sport, so his supported employment coaches have guided him towards internships related to this sector. He’s currently working at a local primary school as an Assistant Sports Coach.

The Deputy Head Teacher of the school said Ben has already become part of the school community:

I’m so pleased Ben feels welcomed. It makes me so proud of the children and of Ben too.

I think this will be a great placement for all of us.

Ben has also been impressed by the school and the opportunities they’ve offered:

I am really grateful the school let me lead on sports lessons independently and showed faith in me.

You might also be interested in reading about Ben’s experience in his last placement, where he got to meet Manchester United legends Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Take your first step on National Supported Internship Day

  • James Bishop is Communications and Engagement Lead for United Response.