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Supported Internships
A Supported Internship is a programme for young people aged 16-24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Supported Internships help young people gain real workplace experience while developing the skills and confidence needed for paid employment.
The programme combines learning and work experience, with support from job coaches, tutors and employers.
The main goal is to help young people move into sustainable paid employment.
A Supported Internship could be a good option if you:are aged 16 to 24-years-oldhave an EHCP (education and health care plan)want to gain experience in a real workplaceare interested in employment in the futurewould benefit from extra support while developing workplace skills.
Supported Internships can help you:gain real work experiencebuild confidence and independencedevelop workplace skillsimprove communication skillsstrengthen English and maths skills where neededcreate a strong CVprepare for paid employment.
City College PlymouthSupported Internship opportunities are delivered in partnership with Plymouth City Council offering a good way to explore different council teams. They are also available across different departments within the College - Supported Internship Programme with Plymouth City Council - City College Plymouth City College Plymouth also delivers Project SEARCH in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Pluss. These placements are based in health and social care settings - https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/project-search-sdh5/ Discovery CollegeSupported Internship opportunities are available in:Sport and Leisure Hospitality Green Spaces Discovery College works closely with partners such as China Fleet and Plymouth Active. Contact: joe.stephenson@discoverycollege.org.uk Eat That FrogSupported Internship opportunities across:HospitalityRetailCustomer serviceBusiness administrationOther employment sectors Find out more – visit https://eatthatfrog.ac.uk/supported-internships/ or email info@eatthatfrog.ac.uk. On Course South West - Your Future ProgrammeSupported Internships available in:Business administrationCustomer serviceHealth and social careCreative industriesDigitalEducation and early yearsGreen skills Multiple start dates are available throughout the year. Visit https://www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/your-future or email yourfuture@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk to get started. Lifeworks CollegeSupported Internship opportunities in:HospitalityRetailBusiness administrationFacilities and cleaning Click the link for more information - https://lifeworks-uk.org/learning-disability-service/our-college/work-placements-and-internships/ or call 01803 865075 to speak to one of the team.Rise Education and Care Group, in partnership with GHQFrom September 2026, three SEND career pathways are available:Pre-Supported Internship - build confidence, independence and employability skills before progressing to work placements.Supported Internship - gain workplace experience and develop the skills needed for sustained employment.Pre-Apprenticeship - prepare for an apprenticeship or paid employment through targeted vocational and employability training. Each pathway offers vocational opportunities across:Education SupportChildcareHair and BeautyBusiness AdministrationCustomer Service Click here for more information about the programme, or contact: enquiries@ghqtraining.co.uk
Most Supported Internship programmes provide:a dedicated Job Coachworkplace mentoringemployability trainingEnglish and maths support where requiredhelp building confidence and independencesupport progressing into employment.
If you're interested in a Supported Internship, the best first step is to contact the training providers above to explore your options. They will be able to answer your questions about:eligibilityapplication processesfuture employment goals. Alternatively, email skillslaunchpad@plymouth.gov.uk and we’d be happy to arrange a chat.
Supported Internships are just one of the options available for young people with SEND. For information about education, training, employment support, independent living and preparing for adulthood, visit Plymouth's Local Offer, the city's dedicated information hub for young people with SEND and their families. You can also explore our SEND support for young people page.
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