Supported Internship
Supported Internships are designed for young people aged 17-24, usually with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), who are looking to take their next step toward paid employment. They offer a structured route into the world of work, combining paid work placements with personalised on-the-job support.
Supported Internships are delivered in partnership with DFN Project Search across a range of partner locations, including Warrington Hospital, GXO Logistics Iceland, and a brand-new non-EHCP opportunity with GXO City Plumbing (a King's College London pilot).
Trips and visits
As a Supported Intern, you will spend the majority of your time in the workplace, developing hands‑on skills in a real employment setting. Because the programme is focused on preparing you for paid work, there are no external trips or visits included. Instead, you will gain practical experience, workplace confidence, and transferable skills that will support your progression into employment and help you succeed in your future career.
Industry links
We work with a wide range of employers across Warrington and Winsford, giving interns access to meaningful placements in a variety of sectors. Previous interns have completed placements with organisations such as Warrington Borough Council, Amazon, Warrington Market, Waitrose, Balfour Beatty, and a number of smaller local businesses. Alongside our established placements, we are happy to work with you to explore more personalised opportunities, helping you secure a local placement that matches your interests, strengths, and career goals.
I am
16-18 Years Old
Supported Internships are available to students aged 17–24 with an EHCP* and provide a practical next step towards employment. If you’re aged 16–18 and looking ahead, this programme helps you build real workplace skills through supported placements with local employers**. You’ll benefit from on‑the‑job experience and guidance from a Job Coach.
*The GXO City Plumbing internship is for those without an active EHCP.
**Please note that some employers can only accept interns aged 18 or over.
Meet our students
Megi started working at Warrington Hospital as part of the DFN Project Search. She soon gained a reputation as a great intern and impressed so much that she secured paid employment, completing her internship early. She is now thoroughly enjoying her newfound independence!
Lee also enjoyed an internship at Warrington Hospital and really impressed staff during his time on the course. His dedication and work ethic led him to secure full-time employment at the hospital, and he has since received the Chief Executive Award for his outstanding contribution in 2025.
Meet our tutors
Sara Shaw
Sara Shaw, Course Leader for Supported Internships, joined Warrington & Vale Royal College from a hospitality background, bringing real-world experience and passion into the classroom.
She loves delivering theory-based learning and watching it come to life as students apply their skills in the workplace. Sara says: “It’s fantastic to see students confidently engaging with members of the community when they’re involved in running events.
They really enjoy promoting our café through our social media platforms and take pride in showcasing their achievements and developing skills. It’s such a rewarding role – I absolutely love it.”
Esther Gundry
Esther Gundry, Course Leader for Vocational Studies, has been teaching at Warrington & Vale Royal College for 15 years.
Esther loves supporting her students in developing their confidence to choose their next step. She says: "The course provides students with the key knowledge and skills they need to move forward.
The best part of my role is seeing students achieve their goals and move onto their next step with a smile on their face. It's fantastic being able to develop a rapport with my students and watch them make progress."
The key details
A bridge between education and employment
- Supported Internships are year-long programmes designed to help young people - usually with an EHCP - make the transition from education to paid employment.
- Supported Interns benefit from lots of support whilst on placement with an external employer.
- Interns attend college two days per week to attend employability sessions alongside English and maths (if applicable).
- It is vital that all interns can behave in a professional manner and have the desire to work 16 hours or more per week.