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ID: "The future of work includes everyone. It's common sense. Make 2024 the last year disabled young people are written off" The words "includes everyone", "common sense" and "last year" are underlined in orange. At the bottom, from left to right: Internships Work logo, tag line "Doubling supported internships provision in England by 2025." funded by Department for Education logo, delivered by The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) logo, DFN Project SEARCH logo and BASE, The British Association for Supported Employment logo.
Internships Work welcome the publication of the House of Lords report Think Work First: Supporting Young Disabled People into Work.
As the report highlights, young disabled people face significant barriers in transitioning from education to employment, with the disability employment gap remaining stubbornly high. However, the report also provides a clear path forward—one that we at Internships Work are proud to be part of.
Commissioned by the Department for Education and led by NDTi, DNF Project Search and BASE, the Internships Work programme has been dedicated to creating employment pathways for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) since its inception in 2022.
In 2023 alone, supported internships programme helped 1,023 young people secure paid employment, giving them not just a job, but the opportunity to live independently, contribute to their communities, and thrive in society.
This momentum continues to build, with 3,448 young people currently participating in supported internships. Projections suggest this number will rise to 4,647 by the end of the 2024/25 cohort.
As Julie Pointer, NDTi’s Children and Young People Programmes’ Lead, reflects:
“Work gives young people with SEND a sense of belonging and responsibility. It provides the economic means to live independently and participate fully in society. Paid employment also delivers profound health benefits, both physical and mental.”
The House of Lords report calls for continued investment in supported internships and a more inclusive education system that prepares young disabled people for meaningful work. We wholeheartedly support this recommendation.
Our experience shows that when given the right tools, resources, and support, young disabled people can become incredible employees—dedicated, conscientious, and loyal. We must work together to ensure that more young people have access to these life-changing opportunities.
Internships Work will continue to work closely with partners, local authorities, job coaches, providers, parents and carers, young people and employers to break down the barriers to employment for SEND youth.
We believe that by continuing to expand and ensuring the sustainability of supported internships, we are not only investing in the future of young people but also strengthening the workforce and the economy.
As the government considers its priorities for the upcoming budget, we look forward to continuing this vital work and ensuring that every young person with SEND has the chance to thrive in the workplace.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone can thrive.
Julie Pointer, NDTi’s Children and Young People Programmes’ Lead
Internships Work
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