Find out more about Supported Internships
“My supported internship with Lighthouse Futures Trust has changed my life. I’ve gone on to do things I never thought I’d be able to. I now work for the NHS doing a job I’m really proud of, with a team who understand me.”
Josh, Supported Internship Alumni
Our supported internships are work-based programmes for young adults aged 18 to 24 year olds who have an Eduction Health Care Plan (EHCP). Our supported interns may require adjustments and extra support in order to access the workplace before becoming independent.
Lighthouse Futures Trust job coaches work alongside interns at our employer hosts, where they work as part of a small team with a work-based buddy for three or four days a week. The remaining one or two days of the week are spent at our college site in Headingley working on a varied and engaging curriculum which supports progress in their internships.
Supported internships offer real-life work experience with a range of employers offering a variety of roles including hospitality, retail, horticulture, finance, healthcare, data analysis and more. We are always on the look out for new employers to be able to provide our interns with the best experiences for them.
Programme Structure
Our supported internship is a one-year programme and follows the Leeds City Council’s academic year. The year is split into three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer, with holidays every six to eight weeks.
The internship begins in September. Interns spend their first weeks completing their induction with us at our college base in Headingley, as well as participating in our placement ‘Inspiration DAYS’.
Inspiration days allow interns to experience a variety of our placement options by visiting employer sites, as well as participating in role-taster tasks. This allows interns to determine which specific placement is right for them.
Once interns complete their college-based induction and have attended at least three Inspiration Days, they will receive an offer of an internship with one of our host employers.
Students then begin their internship placement in mid to late October. Our job coaches support interns at every step, both in their work-placement and college-based work.
The internship ends in July with a graduation upon completion. Our aim is for students to be moving into paid employment upon completion of the programme, with additional support in transition if required.
Join us at an Open Event to find out more.