Applications for internship programme for young people with SEND is now open for 2025
Applications for Westminster City Council's Supported Internship Programme which begins in September each year is now open.
The programme, in partnership with City of Westminster College, Westminster Employment Service and United Colleges Group, enables 12 young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) aged 16-25 to complete a series of work placements over one year.
Each intern’s placements are centred around their skills, career interests and the local labour market with the support of an expert job coach.
The placements are diverse and include office administration at the council, libraries, catering, retail, hotels, galleries, museums, gardening and more.
One day a week in an on-site classroom at Westminster City Hall, the interns also study English, Maths and employability qualifications.
Faisa is a graduate of the programme and speaks positively about her experience:
Young people and parents are invited to find out more about the programme at in person events taking place at Westminster City Hall in Victoria on:
These events will showcase how the Supported Internship works, outline the structure of the programme and highlight the role of partners.
There will also be a chance to hear from current interns and graduates on their experiences as well as a short tour of Westminster City Hall and about some of the placements offered in the building.
The deadline to apply for the programme is 7th March.
Cllr Aicha Less, Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection said:
The Supported Internship programme launched as a pilot in 2021 and since then, it has gone from strength and strength becoming a permanent fixture for the council.
We’ve seen dozens of young people with SEND gain confidence from this programme and a very high percentage go onto paid employment upon completing the programme.
I encourage young people and parents to attend the upcoming events to find out more.
Young people and parents can find out more about the Supported Internship Programme including about the team of job coaches, further testimony from past interns, eligibility and the application process here - Family Information Hub | City of Westminster College Supported Internship
Published: 2 January 2025