Supported internships are structured, work‑based study programmes for 16-24 year‑olds with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. They are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

ECL works in partnership with local colleges across Essex to deliver supported internships, bringing together education with meaningful, real‑world workplace experience.

Interns spend the majority of their time (3–4 days per week) gaining real‑life work experience in a supportive employment setting.

Colleges provide a personalised study programme alongside the placement, supporting interns to develop their English, maths and employability skills.

Supported internships with ECL typically last one academic year and have a clear focus on outcomes. While the internship itself is unpaid, the aim is to support young people to progress into sustained paid employment with their host employer, or to move confidently into further work opportunities.