Find out more about Pre-Internships
“My pre-internship has helped me to be more confident. Last year, I really didn’t think I could be in a workplace, but now I am on a supported internship placement that I’m enjoying – with friends, a job coach and a team I feel comfortable with.”
Lauren, Pre-Internship Alumni
Our pre-internships are college-based programmes for young adults aged 16 to 24 who have an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP). Our pre-interns may require extra support ahead of accessing work-based supported internship programme.
Lighthouse Futures Trust job coaches work alongside interns at our college base four days a week where they will access a varied and engaging curriculum which is aimed at preparing interns for their supported internship. Pre-interns access our on-site careers lab in which students will explore work-based tasks across a variety of roles and industries.
Pre-internships offer a bespoke, engaging and person-centred experience with a strong focus on building confidence and an introduction and development of key skills which enable independence in preparation for the world of work.









Programme Structure
Our pre-internship is either a one or two year programme, following the Leeds City Council academic year. The year is split into three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer with holidays every six to eight weeks.
Our pre-internships begin in September. Inductions include a range of accessible and neurodivergent-friendly team-building activities in order to encourage the development of our interns’ personal, social and emotional education from the very start of their time with us.
Our Lighthouse Futures Trust job coaches support students at every step of their experience, including curriculum sessions, support around social development, as well as support in our careers lab.
The careers lab allows students to take part in taster activities and work-roles to get a feel for which areas of work they would like to gravitate towards, and those that they wouldn’t!
The pre-internship ends in July with a graduation upon completion.
Most students will move directly onto our supported internship programme. Some may move into a second year of pre-internship, aimed at bridging the gap for those who aren’t quite ready for work. These second-year pre-interns access extra support in preparation for the world of work through visits to our host employers and others, to increase their confidence accessing the workplace.