What are supported internships?
We offer supported internships for young people who want to work in competitive employment. The unpaid supported internships form part of the intern’s education and equip autistic young people with the skills needed for adulthood and employment.
The programme takes place in a business setting. Learners are totally immersed in the workplace, learning through continuous feedback, and gaining real employability and competitive work skills.
Who is it for?
- Are you 18-25 years old with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan?
- Are you autistic or have a related learning difficulty?
- Would you like to get a paid job in the future?
- Are you an independent traveller (or working towards)?
If you answered yes to the above, a Supported Internship with St.John’s College could be the opportunity for you!
Our partnership model
St. John’s College, using the Project Search model, works with host business Chartwells based at the University of Sussex to support interns to develop workplace skills.
The programme runs from September for one academic year, with interns based at the workplace five days a week.
Supported internships also benefit employers to learn what young people with additional needs can contribute and achieve.
Applications are open
Recruiting now for September 2025.
Learn more about this brand-new opportunity by attending one of our information sessions:
23 April, 4-5pm - register to attend our online information session
25 April, 11am-12pm (in person)
25 April, 1-2pm - register to attend our face-to-face information session
Register to attend our online information session.
Alternatively, to speak to the team please email stjsupportedinternship@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
What does a typical day include?
A typical day includes:
- classroom instruction in employability and independent living skills
- participation at one or more internship rotations
- social interaction within their internship department
- regular feedback from the instructor, job coaches, and business colleagues.
How we support you
Individualised internships and job development continue throughout the year. These are based on an individual’s strengths, skills, and interests. Interns are supported through on-the-job coaching and improvement strategies, the ultimate goal being to help them obtain paid employment and live independently.
This is an exciting opportunity for young people who are eligible to learn a wide variety of skills ranging from housekeeping, administration, portering, and customer service.
Benefits of supported internships
Supported internships are a great opportunity for young people with autism to combine work with their education. Benefits of a supported internship include:
- learning new skills that could be used in future employment
- building confidence and life skills
- support from trained job coaches to help you succeed
- opportunities to gain accredited and practical qualifications.
Find out more about supported internships
Our sister college in London, Ambitious College runs three supported internships that you may want to find out about.
