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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 young people with autism 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.

Open event at Whittington Education Centre - meet recent graduates, current interns and the team who manage the programme

20 February 2024, 4-6pm

21 March 2024, 4-6pm

Chessington World of Adventures supported internship

Dates to follow

Skills assessment and interview day at Whittington Education Centre

4 March 2024

22 April 2024

Chessington World of Adventures supported internship

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.