Supported SEND and EHCP internships raise employment prospects from 5% to 80%!

The college will also continue to work with business partners during the new 2025/26 academic year on the initiative that will see insurance company Aviva welcome their second cohort of interns. 

Due to the positive outcome of last year’s programme, meanwhile, a second scheme will be launched at the same time, with train operating company LNER offering a similar provision in conjunction with the City of York Council and the college.

The initiatives, which are run by national charity DFN Project SEARCH and supported by the City of York Council, are open to anybody aged between 16 and 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Last year’s Aviva project provided participants with an opportunity to gain valuable experience at the firm’s Wellington Row offices in York, while classroom sessions were overseen by York College Supported Internships Coordinator Rachel Fowler.

The lessons follow the DFN Project SEARCH employability curriculum but are also adapted to the needs of the learners and, among the topics covered last year, were workplace etiquette, appropriate language, budgeting, salaries and CV building.

On the benefits of the initiative, one of last year’s interns Harrison said: “Aviva has been a great opportunity to learn and experience what it’s like to work in an office environment. From its nice colleagues, professional meetings and clean environment, it’s no wonder people have worked here for so long.”

Keir, another member of the group, added: “It’s been an interesting experience, learning both the processes and the social aspects of the working environment.  This is helpful for my future endeavours.”

A third, Benjamin, also declared: “From learning new analytical skills, making new connections and experiencing the working life, Aviva is a place that gives you insurances but also insures you that your transition to work from education will be a smooth one.”

The initiatives are supported by the Department for Education-funded Internships Work Programme, which is enabling the City of York Council and its SEND Employment Forum partners to expand the supported internship offer in the city. 

Commenting on the programme’s success, Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “The supported internship programme shows how partners across the city can work together to create life-changing opportunities for young people in York. I’d like to thank all those involved for showcasing the positive impact that diversity has in the workplace and I’m particularly delighted that York’s supported internship offer will expand from September, ensuring that even more young people can benefit from it.”

Similar structured work-based study programmes have been rolled out by DFN Project SEARCH in more than 200 workplaces across the UK with the goal of securing a transition for each individual into meaningful paid employment for at least 16 hours per week and preferably full-time.

All candidates can also access lifelong support in employability and life skills.

To date, just under 3,000 young people have graduated from DFN Project SEARCH programmes, with 63% of graduates going on to permanent, paid jobs.

In York, the success rate was even higher during 2024/25 with four out of the five Aviva interns (80%) progressing on to employment.

The statistics represent a stark contrast to the national average, with official figures showing less than 5% of young people with a learning disability are in paid employment across England.

Celebrating the internships’ success, York College Deputy Principal & Deputy Chief Executive Joy Kettyle said: “We are very proud of the tremendous progress our first cohort of interns made with partner employer Aviva. The skills they have developed and the experiences they have gained has prepared them well for entering the workforce and for their future careers. The employment rate of 80% is also a fantastic outcome.”

Holly Hudson, Aviva York Supported Internships Lead, added: “We are really excited to once again provide this opportunity for young adults in York with an EHCP to work at Aviva in collaboration with our dedicated partners across the county. This initiative ensures we are celebrating the strengths of our communities and colleagues, alongside creating talent pathways into Aviva that are accessible for everyone, so all young adults can develop the employment skills they need to get ready for their futures.”

Kirsty Matthews, DFN Project SEARCH CEO, said: “We are delighted to continue providing this opportunity for our interns to obtain valuable work experience that will help transform their lives.”

For anybody wanting to learn more about the supported internships, please contact rachel-fowler@yorkcollege.ac.uk