For many young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), moving from education into employment can feel daunting, especially in a workplace where experience and confidence are crucial. Supported internships help bridge this transition by providing structured placements tailored to individual needs (whether additional or complex), allowing interns to gain practical experience while developing skills for meaningful careers.
Unlike standard apprenticeships, which are paid roles that combine work with training, supported internships are career readiness programmes that blend real work experience with structured learning. The programme is aimed at young people aged 19–24 with an EHCP and typically runs for six months or a year. Interns spend around 70% of their time in a workplace, with the remainder devoted to study or learning tailored to their needs.
At Big Creative Education (BCE), the Supported Internship programme is still in its early stages but has made a strong start. Across the BCE Village, including Creative Works, seven young people are currently interning in real work environments, managing projects, and building confidence under the guidance of trained job coaches. Interns such as Jono, who you may have seen creating striking murals at Creative Works, showcase the talent and potential that these programmes unlock.
Jamie Littlewood: Leading on Supported Internships at BCE
Jamie Littlewood brings expertise in employer engagement across education and local government. Before joining BCE, he was based at Islington Council, where he led the borough-wide apprenticeship programme. In that role, he partnered with major local employers through the Islington Anchor Institution Network to broaden entry-level career opportunities for residents, focusing on reducing inequality and supporting communities facing employment barriers.
Jamie’s introduction to supported internships began via a partnership with the Business Design Centre, including a successful six-month placement for a local resident with an EHCP that helped prepare them for an apprenticeship in Facilities Management. This experience inspired him to join BCE and help shape its supported internship programme, drawn by the chance to refine a new initiative focused on engagement, access, and meaningful employment pathways. Jamie is now based at Creative Works, overseeing supported internships across BCE.
At BCE, interns receive daily guidance and encouragement while also being given autonomy to take ownership of their work. One intern, for example, manages client briefs, produces artwork independently, and presents his work to colleagues. These experiences, though challenging, are invaluable in helping interns translate classroom skills into practical workplace habits and abilities: “Our goal from the start is to build confidence. Many of our interns arrive with technical skills but limited experience in a professional environment. The internship gives them a framework to take responsibility, make decisions, and see the results of their work,” states Jamie.
Overcoming Challenges and Developing as Professionals
Supported internships are most effective when they strike a balance between support and challenge. Job coaches and supervisors work closely with interns, tailoring tasks to their strengths while encouraging growth in areas such as social communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. “We set projects and sometimes step back,” Jamie explains. “It’s incredible to watch interns come together, take ownership, and figure out how to contribute effectively as a team.”
Communication has been a common challenge for interns, many of whom are transitioning from classroom environments where active participation was not expected. To address this, the programme places interns in teams and regularly incorporates presentations and reflective activities to build confidence and strengthen communication skills. Learning to support and collaborate with peers is a key focus of the programme, helping interns develop problem-solving abilities, take ownership of projects, and foster mutual responsibility.
Jamie has observed that parents and educators have reported significant progress over the course of the placement, particularly in areas such as confidence, social interaction, and professionalism: “Parents have reported that their children walk a little taller, make more eye contact, and generally approach tasks with greater assurance,” states Jamie.
Preparing Young People for Sustainable Careers
The ultimate aim of supported internships is not simply to complete a programme, but to transition into sustained, paid employment. By giving interns responsibility, structured goals, and real-world experience, they develop practical skills and professional confidence that prepare them to enter the job market. Even when a paid position is not immediately available, a supported internship offers young people valuable insight into potential opportunities and encourages them to plan their next steps, whether that be an apprenticeship, further study, or voluntary work.
The programme also creates networking opportunities and exposure to future pathways. At events such as the Walthamstow Job Fair (18th February), supported by local MP Stella Creasy, interns can meet employers and explore various careers. To prepare for the fair, Jamie has assembled a six-person film crew composed of interns. Each intern has been assigned a production role and asked to research their responsibilities in advance. On the day, the team will film short interviews, capture footage from the event, and record pieces to camera. They will also share reflections on their experiences, helping to produce a short film that documents both the fair and their personal learning journeys.
Jamie reflects, “The sense of ownership interns gain from contributing to projects, seeing their work valued, and understanding workplace dynamics is transformative. This is more than an internship—it’s a foundation for their future careers.”
For young people with SEND in the UK, supported internships are more than educational experiences—they are stepping stones to independence, confidence, and professional achievement. Each placement is designed to develop transferable skills that apply across sectors, ensuring interns are prepared for multiple pathways beyond the programme. Jamie is particularly impressed with the employers involved in this first year, noting their commitment and genuine investment in the programme’s purpose and success.
Through careful mentoring and practical experience, these young people can hopefully prepare for sustained employment. By combining tailored support with meaningful work responsibilities, supported internships are redefining what young people can achieve when given opportunity and guidance.
Meet Jono: An Artistic Intern at Creative Works
Jono quickly embraced the opportunity to participate in a supported internship programme. His week is now split across two sites, including Creative Works, where he is gaining hands-on work experience. He enjoys learning from colleagues, tackling new challenges, and developing practical skills that prepare him for the professional world.
At Creative Works, Jono has been designing art and murals based on client interests (such as images of books and pens for a publishing client), which has earned him the reputation of an artist-in-residence. Creative projects like these allow interns to express their creativity while building professional skills. They not only enhance technical ability but also provide a sense of achievement and recognition within the wider community. Here are some of Jono’s designs that can be seen at Creative Works:
Theme: Publishing
Theme: Film & Video Production
Theme: Nature Reserve
Since joining, Jono has expanded his skill set, learning to work independently and collaboratively, while gaining a deeper understanding of client needs. Support from supervisors and guidance from Jono’s family are always available when needed, while adjustments and tools provided by the programme help him stay focused and confident in his work. He has noticed improvements in both confidence and independence, which have helped him feel ready to step into paid employment in the future. Feedback from the wider team has also been highly positive.
Beyond day-to-day tasks, Jono’s creative side shines through his passion for film. He has impressed colleagues with his knowledge of classic films and his keen eye for cinematography, making him a valued and enthusiastic team member.
For Jono, the programme is not just about work experience; it is an opportunity to discover his interests, build skills, and take pride in his achievements.
*Jamie Littlewood, BCE’s Programme and Partnerships Manager, is based at Creative Works and can be contacted by employers interested in taking on interns. The Supported Internship programme is open to residents aged 19-24 with an EHCP across London, and BCE hopes to expand to employers across Walthamstow and neighbouring boroughs in the near future.
To find out more about Supported Internships at a national level, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supported-internships-for-young-people-with-learning-difficulties/supported-internships
