The internships are designed for young people aged between 16 and 24 who have an EHC (education, health and care) plan and consists of 4 days of work placement and a day of learning.
Our supported internship programme is run in partnership with West London College and a host employer.
Read more about our programme and supported internships across London in the West London Guide to supported internships.
The 2024 Supported Internship Guide (PDF) (wla.london)
Internship roles
Available roles may differ from one year to another.
In the past, young people on the programme had the opportunity to work in:
- human resources
- information technology
- reception
- catering
- post rooms
So far, we have partnered with local organisations and companies such as:
- Nando's
- Mayor’s Parlour
- L'Oréal Academy
- Queensmill School
- Cambridge School
What happens in a supported internship
A supported internship usually lasts for a year and consists of 3 different roles with the same host employer that last 3 months each.
Wherever possible, you are supported to move into paid employment after completing the programme. The programme is personalised and could include English and mathematics if appropriate.
The 2 main components of the programme are work placement and learning.
Work placement
Working days are usually 4 days per week. The choice of employer will reflect your passions and interests.
Learning
There is 1 day of learning per week (with the host employer).
You will spend some time focusing on developing employability skills and competencies that are specific to your work placement. You can also continue with your studies in mathematics and English.
Support while on the programme
Action on Disability will provide trained job coaches to support the young people and their work-based mentors. The number of job coaches available may vary every year depending on the cohort size.
The educational element of the supported internship will be provided by West London College.
Find out more
To find out about other supported internship opportunities in London, contact Rachel Knight:
- telephone: 07910 892 732
- email: r.knight@wlc.ac.uk