Information for interns
Information for interns
Supported internships with ECL offer young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) the chance to gain real work experience, build confidence and develop skills for future employment - all with tailored support from experienced job coaches and college staff.
Thinking about becoming an intern?
Supported internships help you build the skills and confidence for work in a real employment setting.
You don’t need previous work experience. What matters most is a willingness to learn, try new things and take steps towards a future job - with support along the way.
You will not be expected to do this on your own. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by college staff and an experienced ECL job coach.
Benefits include:
- Real work experience with local employers.
- One‑to‑one support from a dedicated job coach.
- Development of employability skills such as teamwork, communication and time‑keeping.
- Improved confidence, independence and social skills.
- Ongoing support to move into paid employment.
Many interns finish the programme feeling more confident, more independent and better prepared for the next step.
In 2024/25, 83% of our interns at Amazon gained paid employment at the end of the year.
All are still employed at Amazon today!
Our programme is built around support.
You will have guidance and help throughout your Supported Internship with ECL.
ECL will:
- Find a placement that is right for you, based on your interests, strengths, aspirations and support needs.
- Provide practical on-the-job coaching for as long as you need us, to help you:
- Learn the role.
- Understand workplace expectations.
- Build confidence and independence.
- Prepare for paid employment.
- Work with employers to ensure they provide the right level of support and adjustments.
- Help you overcome challenges as they come up.
- Support you to plan your next steps after the internship.
The focus is always on your progress, your goals and your future.
I like being productive, it feels good to get lots of work done. Some days are on the shop floor and others a mix of classroom and shop floor. Class work is work skills, mock interviews etc.
Hayden Osagie, Amazon intern.