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Supported Internships

Want to work but need support?

  • Are you between 16–24 years old with a learning disability and/or autism?
  • Are you a Hackney Resident?
  • Do you want to complete a programme with real work experience leading to a paid job?
  • Do you have a EHCP (Educational Health Care plan)?

Then a supported internship could be for you!

What is a supported Internship?

Supported Internships are for people aged 16 to 24 with learning difficulties and or autism who need extra help to get a job. They are a study programme where you do most of your learning at work and some in the classroom. All classroom sessions will be on site at the host business placement.

You can find out about supported internships from:

  • School
  • College
  • Your social worker
  • Hackney Council Supported Employment Team
  • Job Centre Plus

Hackney Council Supported Internships

An intern finding files in healthcare records.

An intern cleaning beds in the maternity ward.

An intern at work in the Hackney service centre.

Hackney Council adopts the The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship transition to work programme. It is a unique, business led, one-year college to work programme that takes place entirely in the workplace.

What we do…

Hackney Supported internship helps young people with SEND (special educational needs and disability) develop real work skills, in a real work environment.

The internship is a partnership between Hackney Council, Bsix Sixth Form College and Homerton University Hospital.

Young people on the programme will be based at:

  • Hackney Council
  • Homerton University Hospital

Interns complete 3 work placements in different departments throughout the academic year.

During the placements they will gain workplace skills as well as an employability BTEC qualification (Work Skills Entry Level 3). The qualification is taught by a tutor from Bsix.

Each intern will work with a job coach and Supported Employment Advisor; who provide support to make sure they find paid work.

How long is the course?

Hackney Supported Internships is a 10 month programme. Monday to Friday 9:00 am till 3:30 pm Term time only.

Interns will be completing an employability skills training session for 1 hour in the morning (9:00 am-10:00 am) before going to their work placements until 3:00 pm they will then have a refelection session from 3:00 pm tll 3:30 pm.

At the end of the day there is a half an hour reflection session which provides an opportunity for interns to feedback on their day, talk through how they feel and raise any concerns related to the activities completed that day. 

Each work placement will last for 1 term. Every intern will have the opportunity to experience 3 different placements throughout the academic year.

To learn more about the programme, watch this video where our 2019/20 interns talk about their experiences on the programme. You can also hear from a family member of an intern.


What are some of the work placement available?

  • Admin – various roles
  • Post room
  • Warehouse
  • Hospitality
  • Reception
  • Patient ward placements
  • Hospital IT systems
  • Catering or facilities
  • Retail placement
  • ISS – various roles
  • Hackney Museum
  • Executive Support
  • Housing
  • IT Systems
  • Direct Payments
  • Customer Service
  • Planning

Who can apply for this internship?

  • Hackney residents with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Must be living in Hackney or cared for by Hackney
  • Ages 16-25
  • Have a learning disability, autism, or other disability

How can I apply?

To apply please click on the link below, this link will direct you to a google application form.

Click here

All applications need to be received by the 31st of March 2021 to be considered for the September 2021 start.

Following the application process, you will be invited to an assessment day. To learn about your skill set and assess whether Hackney Supported Internship is the right programme to support you into paid employment.

Page last reviewed: January 21, 2021

Do you need employment support?

If you need some employment guidance, you can sign up to talk with a personal employment advisor.

Register for support