FROM BARRIERS TO BREAKTHROUGHS: CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Supported internships give young people real opportunities to thrive. Not only that, they are among the best ways for an employer to develop a diverse workforce…
Creativity, confidence and career success
Often, it’s just small adaptations that are required to help young people develop skills, build confidence, and pursue careers. Laurence Budd’s journey is an inspiring example of how someone can overcome challenges and get onto the career ladder. Laurence undertook a supported internship, which is open to anyone with special educational needs or a disability. This is regardless of whether or not they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Supported internships give young people real opportunities to thrive. Not only that, they are among the best ways for an employer to develop a diverse workforce.
Meet Laurence
Laurence began a supported internship in November 2025. The 22-year-old experiences chronic fatigue and ADHD, which fall under the umbrella of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A Few Good Things, a creative media company in Liverpool, provided the work placement for the internship, focusing on Laurence’s strengths to create opportunities for them to develop skills.
“Laurence brings creativity, determination and a fresh perspective to our little team.”
During their prior education, Laurence had developed an interest in filmmaking, musical theatre, and digital content creation. The internship provided the opportunity to tap into these specific interests and talents.
Developing skills as a junior editor and social media manager, Laurence captured and edited video and other content whilst on the internship. They gained practical experience using industry-recognised tools for video editing and project management, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Taskworld.
Laurence balanced remote work with on-location film shoots, gaining confidence and technical expertise.
Structured support
Supported internships are carefully planned around the individual. An external job coach can attend the workplace as an intern’s ‘buddy’ as required. However, A Few Good Things provided excellent on-the-job mentoring for Laurence, reducing the need for a work coach to provide additional support.
Laurence’s internship was designed to be flexible. Importantly, it allowed them to manage their energy levels whilst still making a valuable contribution to the team. Laurence’s workplace mentor created weekly and daily schedules, focusing on what Laurence could do rather than what they could not.
Job coach Steve Patterson, from Liverpool City Council’s Intern to Work team, who checked in regularly to see if Laurence and their mentor, Natasha, needed any additional support, said:
“I am incredibly proud of everything Laurence has achieved through a positive attitude, willingness to learn new skills and commitment to succeed in a creative environment.”
Everyone benefits
When Laurence joined A Few Good Things, the team adjusted working patterns to accommodate Laurence’s fatigue, and this led to broader workplace improvements. Recognising the positive qualities that an employee with ADHD can offer, they adapted working practices which improved team communication. In turn, this boosted productivity and highlighted the importance of employee wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Laurence brought new ways of thinking to the team. Natasha, Laurence’s mentor and one of the directors at A Few Good Things, said:
“Laurence brings creativity, determination and a fresh perspective to our little team.”
Meaningful paid employment
During the internship, the directors of A Few Good Things noticed Laurence’s flair for complex editing, social media, and digital management. Following the ten-week internship, they took Laurence on as a paid member of the team, showing how supported internships can lead to meaningful employment. Laurence says:
“As a highly creative young person, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity of my placement at A Few Good Things. Being part of a creative environment and learning from experienced film editors has been both inspiring and motivating. It has given insight into the post-production process and strengthened my passion for storytelling through film.”
A Few Good Things
A Few Good Things, based on Jordan Street in L1, specialises in video production. Services on offer include podcast production, animation and motion design, documentary storytelling and subscription-based content-on-tap.
Fact file: Supported internships
- Supported internships are structured, work-based study programmes for young people with SEND
- Supported internships are available to those with or without an EHCP.
- Supported internships are always tailored to the individual; flexible arrangements are common, allowing interns to manage their health needs and/or energy levels
- Appropriate buddying-up with a work coach and/or workplace mentoring brings about independence and meaningful change for the young person
