Children and families

Supported internships

Supported internships are work-based study programmes for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND. Find out how to apply for an internship or offer one.

What does an internship involve?

Our interns enrol full-time at a local school or college. There, they will study a personalised programme which may include English and maths.

As part of their course, they will also attend work placements which last between six to 12 months. A trained job coach will support them on each placement. As the intern's confidence grows, the job coach may slowly reduce their support.

What support is on offer for employers?

Job coaches work with employers to help them create and support a diverse workforce. Interns usually spend between four and five days a week at work with their job coach.

Why not join one of our one-hour webinars on learning disabilities and neurodiverse conditions?

Any employer in the Liverpool City Region is welcome to attend free of charge. These webinars are run by Knowsley Council and Liverpool Council. Email interntowork@liverpool.gov.uk to find out more.

How do I apply for an internship or offer a placement?

Please use the form below if you are:

  • interested in being an intern
  • an employer who would like to offer a work placement to an intern

Express an interest in a supported internship

Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data.

Further information

Latest figures suggest 4.8% of adults with a learning disability or Autism known to adult social care are in employment, and 4.1% in the North West (base-uk.org).

This has to change. We are committed to ensuring these talented, highly-skilled and passionate people are not overlooked. Email interntowork@liverpool.gov.uk to find out more.

Supported internships video

Watch the video below to learn more about what supported internships mean to our young people, businesses and organisations.

You can also watch other videos on our Youtube channel.