Disabled Man in Wheelchair at Work Meeting
Disabled Female at Workshop as Part of Supported Internship
Disabled Young Man in Wheelchair Working at a Computer Screen
A disabled man is sitting in a wheelchair.jpg
Swimmer with his Support Dog
Support Dog
Disabled Man Studying at Home
Disabled Young Man Studying With College Tutor Central Bedfordshire
Young Men with Learning Disabilities Learning in Central Beds
Disabled man working as a carpenter
 
Young Man working in a coffee shop

Supported Internships

Supported Internships are a work-based study programme for young people who are 16 to 24 years old with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). They offer real experience in the workplace, personalised support, and the chance to build confidence and independence. They are bridge between education and employment for young people, can last from 6 months to one year and the employability learning will be reinforced in the classroom.

Why they are a great opportunity

• Real work experience with local employers

• Job coaching support to help interns learn new skills

• A personalised programme tailored to each young person

• Improved confidence, independence, and employability

• A pathway into paid work or further employment support

Who can apply

Young people who are 16 to 24 years old with an EHCP who want to develop their skills, gain experience, and move towards employment.

Parents and carers are encouraged to get involved as your support makes a huge difference.

What interns do

• Spend most of the week in a real workplace

• Try different job roles to discover what suits them

• Learn practical skills and workplace behaviours

• Work with a dedicated job coach

• Continue developing maths, English and life skills

How Central Bedfordshire Council supports you

We work closely with local employers, colleges, schools, and training providers to ensure every intern has the right support to thrive. Our goal is simple: to help young people move confidently into adulthood and meaningful employment. In Central Bedfordshire, we work with many of our local colleges including Central Bedfordshire College and Bedford College to deliver internships. 

Want to find out more?

We’d love to talk with you. To learn about upcoming programmes, eligibility, or how to apply, please contact the Youth Support Service.

Read about Supported Internships at John Lewis, by clicking on the image,

Below is a video that discusses supported internships from an employer’s perspective.

Find out about careers →
How to find a job →