Supported internships provide extra support for young Disabled people looking to develop their skills and experiences.
About supported internships: study programmes based in the workplace
Supported internships are available to you if you:
- have learning difficulties and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- are aged between 18 and 24 (some take applicants at 16)
- can travel independently or do travel training
- keen to be offered paid employment at the end of the programme
With a supported internship you can gain work experience from a company of your choice. You can expect to:
- get on the job training
- build your skills
- build your confidence
Internship roles: where you can expect to work
Young people can work in departments and roles such as:
- human resources
- information technology
- reception
- catering
- different roles
Available roles may differ from one year to another. Last year, H&F partnered with the NHS, local organisations and companies to provide supported internships including:
- Nando's: hospitality
- Design Museum: customer service
- West London College: media
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: administration
- Nourish Hub: catering
- Gunnersbury Sports Centre: reception
You can watch YouTube videos and learn about the experiences from young people who have accessed a supported internship on the Action on Disability: Employment Service webpage and the Shaw Trust website
Find a supported internship
You can find a supported internships through information promoted online and in person. These are detailed below.
Supported internship fair: Thursday 27 February 2025
More than 15 businesses will be promoting their supported internships and inviting applications from young people to take an internship with them in September 2025.
The fair is for young people aged 17 to 24 with an education, health and care (EHC) Plan.
When: Thursday 27 February 2025, 10am to 3pm
Where: Hammersmith &Fulham College, Gliddon Rd, Barons Court, W14 9BL
Open day for supported internships at Charing Cross Hospital: Wednesday 5 March 2025
This event invites young people aged 18 to 25 with an EHC Plan.
When: Wednesday 5 March 2025, 4pm to 6pm
Where: Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road London W6 8RF
Bookings at DFN Project SEARCH Charing Cross Hospital on the EventBrite website
H&F Supported Internship Programme
There are now 42 supported internships on offer to H&F residents, provided by the West London Alliance in partnership with colleges, councils, and businesses.
Supported internships lasts for 10 months where you will need to attend 5 days a week (holidays included). You must be able to commit to the full length of the programme.
Open days are held between January and April, to enable you and your family to gain a better understanding of the opportunities on offer.
For more information, including details of supported internships available and how to apply see A guide to Supported Internships from the West London Alliance
Help to secure a job after your supported internship
Towards the end of your supported internship, the staff working with you can help you to find a job.
This might include your:
- job coach
- education health and care co-ordinator
- social worker
Contact details
To discuss supported internships further you can contact West London College who oversee supported internships in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Telephone: 07833 083 963
Email: Sahar Dafaa s.dafaa.alla@wlc.ac.uk or Milly Lapikens m.lapikens@wlc.ac.uk
You can also email Rabie Kuyateh rabiatu.kuyateh@aod.org.uk from Action on Disability.