At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed in a job they love.

Our Supported Internship programme is designed for young adults with a learning disability, autism spectrum condition, or both. It’s a one-year transition-to-work programme that blends classroom learning with real NHS work placements giving local young people a chance to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

The aim is to help young people build confidence, develop practical skills, and take positive steps towards future employment. Over the course of the year, they grow in confidence, build employability skills and are supported by their tutors to apply for permanent employment opportunities.

Interns gain experience in a variety of departments across our hospitals, from catering to clinical services, and are all supported by dedicated job coaches and mentors.

Our supported interns don’t just gain experience—they grow in confidence, find direction, and contribute to something bigger.

Take Josh, who started in Specimen Reception and now works full-time in Pathology. Or Michaela, who discovered unexpected pride in a Housekeeping role, earning a five-star audit along the way. And Ethan, who found his place as a porter in Endoscopy, helping patients every day.

All three are now part of the NHS team and proud of how far they’ve come, just as we are.
These are just three examples, and they won’t be the last.

With our partnership with Learning Services and their Young Adult Learning Worcestershire team continuing to grow, even more young people will have the opportunity to join the Supported Internship programme each year.

If you are aged 16–24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or know someone who does and may be interested in a Supported Internship, please get in touch with Young Adult Learning Worcestershire.

You can email youngadultlearning@worcestershire.gov.uk or call +44 (0)1905 728537 to speak to Young Adult Learning Worcestershire.

The team will be more than happy to explain the process and help you get started on your journey.