Supported internships

What is a supported internship?

A Supported Internship is a study programme aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and want to move into employment but need some extra support.

An internship usually lasts for a year, with the opportunity to complete three different placements.

How does the service work?​

Supported Internships give young people an opportunity to take their first steps into the world of employment, build skills in the workplace, gain qualifications, and get a paid job. The internships offer a unique mix of education and job coaching in a range of different roles, including:

• Customer Service
• Maintenance
• Catering
• Childcare
• Retail
• Horticulture
• Admin
• Transport (TFL)

New for 2024-2025

From 2024, Shaw Trust will be offering Supported Internships in Redbridge, High Wycombe (Bucks), HS2 Rail Line, Heathrow, Harrogate, Skipton and Selby.

If you are aged 16-24 and have an EHCP and like the sound of our supported internships, or if you are an employer wanting to offer a placement opportunity or a Local Authority who would like more information, please complete the contact form below.

Where we deliver Supported Internships

Our goal is to help our interns find and sustain employment. We work with a range of employers across the UK to provide the best work experience possible. This includes Transport for London, Nandos, Superdrug, Tesco and many more.

Once the internship is completed, we will continue to provide support – 70% of our intern’s progress into paid employment at the end of the programme

How to apply

To get started fill in a form and a member of our team will be in touch:

Blog

Aidan wearing glasses

From shy intern to confident ambassador

From nervous intern to confident ambassador, Aidan's story highlights the power of supportive work experiences.
Photo of Ryan

Developing resilience on the journey to paid employment

Our supported internship programme offers young people aged 16 – 24 with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) a chance to undertake three work placements across a year.
Group photo of our four male participants and the Supported Internship graduation.

Supported Interns shine at Steps into work graduation

Max found his confidence and passion for the rail industry through Shaw Trust's Supported Internship program. Find out about his inspiring story of overcoming challenges and landing his dream job!
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