Supported Internship

Our Supported Internship Programme provides structured work placements and tailored learning to help young people with additional needs gain employability skills and work experience.

Application information:

Applications are taken through the local authority, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Key learning objectives:

• Skills and a range of accredited qualifications gained
• Work experience components
• Support offered (mentoring, job coaching)

A Typical Day on My Supported Internship

"When I arrive in the morning, staff check in with me to see how I’m feeling and help me understand what I will be doing that day. This helps me feel calm and ready to work and supports my emotional wellbeing and confidence.

Before we start, we talk about health and safety and go through the jobs we will be doing. Staff show me how to use tools safely and remind me about risks. This helps me develop independence, self-awareness, and responsibility in the workplace.

During the day, I work outside on green spaces across the region with other interns and staff. I do practical jobs like planting, clearing weeds, building fences and paths, creating wildlife habitat, creating raised beds, and looking after tools. By working as part of a team, I am improving my communication skills, teamwork, and ability to follow instructions. Being active outdoors also helps with my physical wellbeing.

Staff support me while I work but encourage me to try tasks on my own when I am ready. This helps me build confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience, which are important for future employment.

At lunchtime, I take a break and practise managing my own time and making appropriate choices. This supports my independence, social skills, and preparation for adult life.

In the afternoon, I continue working or try different tasks so I can learn new skills. This helps me understand my strengths and interests and supports my preparation for employment, including learning about punctuality, stamina, and workplace behaviour.

At the end of the day, I talk with staff about how things went. I think about what I did well and what I want to improve next time. This helps me develop self-reflection, goal setting, and awareness of my progress towards my EHCP outcomes.

Being on this supported internship is helping me gain real work experience, improve my independence, and feel more prepared for getting a job in the future. The staff are really friendly, and supportive and we have fun."

Delivery: Combination of on-site work placements, classroom or online learning, and one-to-one support

Assessment: Continuous assessment via work tasks, employer feedback, portfolio evidence, and progress reviews

Applicants must:

• be aged 17 – 24 years old
• have an EHCP and identified learning needs
• be able to get to work for 8.30am and be interested in working outside as this is a hands on placement

1. Paid Employment

With Groundwork Yorkshire or partner employers: Some interns may move directly into paid roles within environmental, community, or administrative sectors.

Other local employers: Employers who have supported interns often offer permanent positions.

Supported Employment: For learners needing continued support, employment services (like BASE-accredited supported employment providers) help secure roles with on-the-job coaching.

2. Further Education or Training

Vocational qualifications: Courses in horticulture, construction, environmental management, administration, or digital skills.

Functional skills: Maths, English, or IT skills to support future employment opportunities.

Traineeships: Short-term training programmes to improve employability skills before entering paid work.

3. Apprenticeships

Level 2 or 3 apprenticeships in areas such as business administration, customer service, or green industries.

Some apprenticeships may offer on-the-job support for learners who benefited from a Supported Internship

4. Volunteering or Work Experience

Voluntary roles in local charities, environmental projects, or community organisations.

Builds work experience, confidence, and employability skills for learners not yet ready for paid employment.

5. Supported Living / Independent Skills Development

Learners who require ongoing life skills support can move into programmes focusing on independence, budgeting, or social participation, often alongside work experience.

6. Progression Pathways within Groundwork Yorkshire

Some learners can remain connected to Groundwork Yorkshire for ongoing mentoring, seasonal projects, or environmental initiatives, providing a bridge to independent work or further education.