Learning Disability Week: Our supported internships

Supported Internships play a transformative role in helping young people take confident steps toward independence, employment, and a meaningful future. As the Supported Internship Manager for Barnet Education and Learning Services, I recently had the genuine pleasure of spending time with two remarkable young people who are part of our pilot Supported Internship programme delivered in partnership with Barnet Southgate College (BSC) and the Arts Depot.

This collaborative initiative offers a fully inclusive pathway specifically designed for young people (with SEND) without an EHCP, ensuring that those who often fall between the gaps in traditional provision are not left behind. We are enormously proud of the impact this pilot has already made in the borough, not only in developing employability skills, but also in nurturing confidence, community engagement, and personal growth.

Wanting to hear directly from the young people who make this programme what it is. I sat down with two interns, Mitchell and Monder, to learn more about their journeys, their aspirations, and the difference this programme is making in their everyday lives. Their honesty, determination, and ambition speak volumes about the true value of Supported Internships.

What follows is their story, in their own words.

Monder A. (Age 19)

1. What inspired you to join the SI programme?

“Basically, my friend was getting everything handed to him like English classes for free and a CSCS course, plus work experience – so I spoke to him about it, and he recommended me to the course, and I was signed up.”

2. What skills and qualities have you developed?

“I was shy before joining the SI, and this has developed my communication skills and teamwork.”

3. What work experience have you taken part in?

“I work at a carpentry shop called The Loop, and I also work at the British Heart Foundation, which is helping me build on my communications skills as I am dealing with a lot of customers.”

4. What are your aspirations?

“I really want to work on a construction site, and afterwards I want to buy land and build my own house.”

5. How supported did you feel by your job coach and mentor?

“I feel very, very supported. These guys have had a very big impact on my life.”

6. How has the SI pilot changed your life?

“Generally, before the internship, I was applying on INDEED for jobs with no luck. I am now busy 3 times a week with work experience and improving my English. I am being supported with applying for jobs and apprenticeships.”

Mitchell B. (Age 20)

1. What inspired you to join the SI programme?

“The reason I joined was that I felt a bit lost, and it had been hard trying to find work, and I saw this as an opportunity that could lead to paid work.”

2. What skills and qualities have you developed?

“One of the main ones is that I have become a lot more sociable and better at communicating.”

3. What work experience have you taken part in?

“I have worked as a football coach at Krishani School, supporting children of various ages. I have also worked as an assistant at Little Yoga Arts at Arts Depot.”

4. What are your aspirations?

“One of my aspirations is to own my own house. Another one is to build my skills and become a referee, moving up through the pathway.”

5. How supported did you feel by your job coach and mentor?

“I feel very supported by my job coach and mentor. When I had an issue at work, my job coach helped me communicate and resolve it with my manager.”

5. How has the SI pilot changed your life?

“I think it has been a positive change as it has got me out of the house, helped me make friends and broaden my horizons.”