As part of National Supported Internship Day (Friday 27 March), supported interns across the city celebrated.
National Supported Internship Day is celebrated every year on 27 March, aiming to raise awareness and promote supported internships to the people who may benefit from them.
Supported Internship Day is celebrated every year, aiming to raise awareness and promote supported internships to the people who may benefit from them.
Supported Internships are programmes specifically designed for young people (16-24) who have special education needs and disabilities and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), to help bridge the gap between education and employment. The programmes follow the academic year and offer placements with a dedicated job coach who can help the young person get on-the-job experience and confidence in the workplace.
Coventry currently has 30 supported internship opportunities through its Changing Futures Together programme, delivered by The Job Shop, which last year saw 81% of its interns gaining paid employment through the programme. This is significantly higher than the national average for programmes of its kind.
To mark Supported Internship Day, various events took place with activities at The Job Shop, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) and Amazon.
UHCW held an event for students from special schools and young people with EHCPs to find out about opportunities available through the programme, giving students a chance to speak to representatives from the NHS, Mitie and ISS who offer supported internships. Ex-interns who went on to secure roles at UHCW also attended the event, giving young people the chance to ask questions about their experiences.
Chantal, who has recently gained employment as a Health Care Assistant Apprentice at UHCW through the programme, said:
“I joined this programme hoping that it would give me more confidence. I never imagined that I would find myself! I am now starting a career with the NHS, and I am so excited about the future!”
At Amazon, the interns hosted a celebration, where employees and interns gathered to celebrate their achievements. Kaajal, who completed her internship last year and now works at Amazon, said:
“I’m a completely different person since starting the programme, I’m more independent, confident and happier. I’m really proud of myself.”
The Council has also offered supported internships since 2025 at Whitley Depot, where Thomas was the first supported intern to gain paid employment as a Customer Service Apprentice. Thomas’ dad said:
“When Thomas left school, we didn’t know where to turn, but it all changed once we heard about Changing Futures Together. Thomas has had fantastic support in all areas since he joined the service. We couldn’t ask for more.”
To find out more about supported internships, please come along to the Changing Futures Together open day on Wednesday 27th May anytime between 10am – 2pm at Southfields Old School, South Street, Coventry CV1 5EJ or email ChangingFuturesTogether@coventry.gov.u