Supported internships with an education, health and care plan
An unpaid work-based study programme that usually lasts for one year. It includes an extended work placement that lasts for at least 6 months.
You'll take the first step from education into the workplace while gaining the skills you need to get a paid job.

View transcript
My name is Saul. I work at Stepping Hill hospital in receipt and distribution.
It was the best move to make in my journey to get a job. I learned how to work in a team and follow simple instructions.
I met new people and now I've become friends with them. It feels good to be in work. It's improved my life because it's now given me a steady income to be able to do the things I want in life.
Saul's story
“I work at Stepping Hill hospital in receipt and distribution. It was the best move to make in my journey to get a job. I learned how to work in a team and follow simple instructions.
“I met new people and now I've become friends with them. It feels good to be in work. It's improved my life because it's now given me a steady income to be able to do the things I want in life.”
Starting a supported internship
To start a supported internship, you'll need to:
- be aged 16 to 24
- have an education, health and care plan (EHC)
What you'll do as a supported intern
On a supported internship, you’ll spend the majority of your time in the work place, developing your skills for employment.
A supported internship includes:
- an unpaid work placement of at least 6 months
- support from a qualified job coach
- a personalised study programme, including the chance to study a relevant qualification, if suitable, and English and maths to an appropriate level
Funding
You may be eligible for Access to Work funding.
The support you get will depend on your needs but could include a grant to help pay towards practical support with your work, including a job coach.
After your supported internship
The aim of a supported internship is to prepare you for working in a paid job.
You could get a paid job at the same place you did your supported internship or you could look for a job with a different employer.
You could also carry on training by doing a traineeship or an apprenticeship.
Help and advice
You can get help and advice from:
- Disability Rights UK: information, advice and resources for disabled students
- Preparing for Adulthood: guidance on supported internships and study programmes for young people with a disability or learning difficulty
- Talking Futures: support for parents and guardians looking to explore education and career options with their child
Applying for a supported internship
You can apply for supported internships through your school or college.
Explore your choices
Combine work and study
Study
A levels
Higher education
Higher technical qualifications (HTQs)
Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs)
Work
Supported internships
School leaver schemes
Special educational needs (SEND) advice
You can get education advice if you're disabled or have special educational needs.
It may help you choose what you'd like to do next.