Supported internships provide extra support for young Disabled people looking to develop their skills and experiences.
About supported internships: study programmes based in the workplace
Supported internships are available to you if you:
- have learning difficulties and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
- are aged between 18 and 24 (some take applicants at 16)
- can travel independently or do travel training
- keen to be offered paid employment at the end of the programme
With a supported internship you can gain work experience from a company of your choice. You can expect to:
- get on the job training
- build your skills
- build your confidence
Internship roles: where you can expect to work
Young people can work in departments and roles such as:
- human resources
- information technology
- reception
- office administration
- retail
- childcare assistant
- hospitality
- customer service
- maintenance
- cleaning
Available roles may differ from one year to another.
Find a supported internship
You can find a supported internships through information promoted online and in person attending supported internships events. West London College brings a supported internship fair each February and the NHS, local organisations and companies open days for supported internships are also promoted on this guide.
H&F Supported Internship Programme
Supported internships lasts for 10 months where you will need to attend 5 days a week (holidays included). You must be able to commit to the full length of the programme.
Open days are held between January and April, to enable you and your family to gain a better understanding of the opportunities on offer.
There are now 40 supported internships on offer to H&F residents, provided by the West London Alliance in partnership with colleges, councils, and businesses starting in September 2025.
View the 40 supported internships full list: West London see Supported Internships 2025 (PDF)
For supported internship roles in your local area and information about the skills you need for each role see this brochure.
You can watch YouTube videos and learn about the experiences from young people who have accessed a supported internship on the Action on Disability: Employment Service webpage and the Shaw Trust website
Help to secure a job after your supported internship
Towards the end of your supported internship, the staff working with you can help you to find a job.
This might include your:
- job coach
- education health and care co-ordinator
- social worker
Contact details
To discuss supported internships further you can contact West London College who oversee supported internships in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Telephone: 07833 083 963
Email: Sahar Dafaa s.dafaa.alla@wlc.ac.uk or Milly Lapikens m.lapikens@wlc.ac.uk
You can also email Rabie Kuyateh rabiatu.kuyateh@aod.org.uk from Action on Disability.