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
Would you like to develop confidence and work skills in an NHS Hospital? Ambitious College is recruiting for their supported internship programme at Whittington Hospital in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, starting September 2025. This exciting opportunity is for young people aged 16-25 with EHC Plans looking to move into paid employment.
Information event
Join us at the Whittington Hospital for one of our informative and interactive sessions. Our friendly team will be there to answer all your questions and provide you with all the details you need to know about the programme.
4 June 2025, 4-5pm
Skills assessment and interview day
15 May 2025, 10am-12pm
3 July 2025, 10am-12pm (please note later assessment days will be cancelled when places are full)
Location
Whittington Education Centre (WEC), Whittington Hospital, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NF
Chessington World of Adventures
Ambitious College is recruiting for their supported internship programme at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH and Achieving for Children, starting September 2025. This exciting opportunity is for young people aged 16-25 with EHC Plans looking to move into paid employment.
Information session
Join us at one of our information sessions to meet the team and learn more about the amazing internship opportunities available. Discover how our supported Internship programme can help you gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and boost your confidence.
More dates coming soon.
Skills assessment and interview day
More dates coming soon.
Location
Chessington World of Adventures Resort Hotel, Leatherhead Road, Chessington KT9 2NE
Please note that all events are invitation only. Reserve a space via Eventbrite or by email.
Amazon
Ambitious College delighted to announce a brand-new supported internship at Amazon, located in Weybridge, Surrey, starting in September 2025. This exciting opportunity is for young people aged 18-25 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans looking to move into paid employment.
Information session
Join us at one of our information sessions to meet the team and learn more about the amazing internship opportunities available. Discover how our supported Internship programme can help you gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and boost your confidence.
Wednesday 21 May: 2-3pm (online)
Skills assessment and interview day
Friday 13 June 2025
Chartwells
St. John’s College, using the Project Search model, works with host business Chartwells based at the University of Sussex to support interns to 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. This exciting opportunity is for young people aged 18-25 with EHC Plans looking to move into paid employment.
Information session
Learn more about this brand-new opportunity by attending one of our information sessions:
1 May, 11.30am-12.30pm - register to attend our online information session
7 May, 4-5pm - register to attend our online information session
8 May, 11.30am-12.30pm - register to attend our face-to-face information session
Alternatively, to speak to the team please email stjsupportedinternship@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
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.