Supported internships
We offer supported internships for young people who want to work in a competitive employment. The unpaid supported internships form part of the intern’s education and equips autistic young people with the skills needed for adulthood and employment.
The programme takes place in a business setting. Learners are totally immersed in the workplace, learning through continuous feedback, and gaining real employability and competitive work skills.
Benefits of supported internships
Supported internships are a great opportunity for autistic young people to combine work with their education. Benefits of a supported internship include:
- learning new skills that could be used in future employment
- building confidence and life skills
- support from trained job coaches to help you succeed increase social networks
- travel and lunch costs covered
- opportunities to gain accredited and practical qualifications.
Our Partnership Model
Ambitious College, using the Project Search model, works with the Whittington Hospital and Chessington World of Adventures Resort to support interns develop workplace skills.
The programme runs from September for one academic year, with interns based at the workplace five days a week.
Supported internships also benefit employers to learn what young people with additional needs can contribute and achieve.
Upcoming events
Applications are still open for our supported internships programme this year.
For more information about applying for the programme please email our admissions team.
Whittington Education Centre
Information event
Meet recent graduates, current interns and the team who manage the programme
21 November 2024, 3,45-4.30pm (online)
16 January, 4-5pm
11 February 2025, 4-5pm
26 February 2025, 4-5pm
23 April 2025, 4-5pm
4 June 2025, 4-5pm
Skills assessment and interview day
Dates to follow
Chessington World of Adventures
Information event
Meet the team who manage the programme and learn about internships available.
Dates to follow
Skills assessment and interview day
Dates to follow
Please note that all events are invitation only. Reserve a space via Eventbrite or by email.
Applications are still open!
Applications are still open for our supported internships programme this year.
For more information about applying for the programme please email our admissions team.
How to apply
Candidates must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply for an internship:
- aged 16-25 years old with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- be an autistic young person or have a related learning difficulty
- have an interest to move into employment
- interested in spending a year learning new skills or developing existing skills in the workplace.
If you are interested in applying for our Supported internships programme, you can apply using our contact form on the Ambitious College website.