NO EHCP REQUIRED: CAREER BOOST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SEND

A supported internship is a proven pathway into employment for young people with special education needs or disabilities. And it’s not necessary to have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) to enrol on the programme.

Open to 16-24 year olds without an EHCP

Many SEND individuals, and their families and carers, mistakenly think that an education, health and care plan (EHCP) is needed to undertake a supported internship. But the programme is open to everyone with SEND, even if you do not have an EHCP.

If you’re between 16 and 24 and want to build your skills, confidence, and independence, you could start an internship before the end of the year. If you have left school this summer, now is the time to apply and open the door to a career.

Taking steps toward meaningful employment

The main goal of a supported internship is to help you find meaningful paid work. You’ll follow a structured programme that combines study with real workplace experience and tailored support to help you succeed.

You’ll spend time at your college or place of learning, gaining workplace skills before your first placement begins. You might get the opportunity to experience working life with more than one employer, so you’ll gain insight into different environments and better understand your future goals. 

Work placements usually last between 6 and 12 months. Sometimes, you can complete your study and placement within one academic year (9 months) before moving on to paid work.  During your internship with local employers, you’ll pick up practical job skills, grow your confidence, and build your CV. All this leads to the development of teamwork experience, time management, and problem-solving skills that employers really value.

Support every step of the way

Every intern gets support from an experienced job coach who plays a key role in their success. Your job coach helps you make the most of your placement, supporting you as you work toward independence and future paid work.

The internship gets you ready for work and helps you build important life skills as you move into adulthood. They’ll be there as you settle in, help you learn new tasks, and guide you through any early challenges.

Your job coach also supports your family and employer, and can help arrange any adjustments you need at work. The internship experience gets you ready for work and helps you build important life skills as you move into adulthood.

Changing futures

Many young people have found that a supported internship can be a life-changing opportunity. One example is Amarliyah. She joined a supported internship and completed two work placements, one with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and another at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Since completing her internship, Amarliyah has been employed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as an Administration and Team Support Apprentice.

Despite autism and anxiety, the 19-year-old has learned strategies to make a positive impact at work. With help from her job coach and colleagues, she’s shown perseverance and adapted, such as by learning from watching others and taking short breaks.

Her colleagues say she has also helped raise awareness and understanding of autism in her workplace. Amarliyah says:

“I’ve always had trouble with my autism, mainly in the way that I’ve always felt different and ostracised because of it. When I started my first internship, I was uneasy about how I’d be perceived in the workplace or if I was fit to work. 

“I’m grateful that both my employers and job coach were aware and willing to understand me. It’s been just over half a year, and I feel like I can do anything now!”

 Amarliyah is now putting her new skills into action in her new role at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and as a young ambassador for Liverpool City Council’s internships programme. 

A programme built around you

Employers team up with education providers to ensure you receive useful training and a meaningful work placement. There are many employers offering placements, from retail and healthcare to local government and media production. You and your job coach will spend an agreed number of days each week at your placement, and as you become more confident in your role, job coach support may gradually reduce.

The programme is available throughout the Liverpool City Region, overseen by Liverpool City Council and delivered by Granby Adult Learning Centre, The City of Liverpool College, The Learning Foundry, and Myerscough College. 

There are opportunities in many industries, organisations, and businesses. Your interests and career goals will always be listened to and respected. 

Open to more young people than you might expect

Elly Jackson, project coordinator for the Intern to Work programme, explains:

“We want young people, families and carers to understand that if you have additional needs or disabilities, you could well be eligible for a supported internship, even without an EHCP.  Too many people rule themselves out without fully understanding what is available, or who is eligible, and the Intern to Work programme has a wider net than many people think. 

“The support from a job coach is ongoing, with one-to-one coaching, support with workload, and wellbeing check-ins continuing for as long as needed.”

Apply now for September 2026

Get in touch now to apply for a September 2026 start.

If you’re a young person with SEND, or a parent or carer exploring future options for your son or daughter, supported internships are a strong option to consider.

Express your interest in a supported internship today – a well-established route into work for young people with additional needs or disabilities.