A supported internship pathway is transforming employment outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Run by Kendal College, the award-winning scheme is delivered in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
The scheme gives young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the opportunity to gain real work experience in NHS settings across Cumbria.
Jason Turton, principal and CEO of Kendal College, said: “Too often, conversations around young people with SEND focus on the barriers they face rather than the contribution they can make.
“These outcomes show what becomes possible when education, employers and specialist partners work together with a shared ambition.
“Our Supported Internship Pathway isn’t simply preparing young people for work.
“It’s helping them build confidence, independence and careers that have real meaning.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential, and we’re incredibly proud to work alongside our NHS colleagues, DFN Project SEARCH and our wider partners to create opportunities that genuinely change lives.”
The pathway lasts for one academic year and sees interns take on structured placements in departments such as reception, pharmacy, catering, facilities, and patient support.
Since launching in the UK, the charity has helped more than 3,400 young people secure employment (Image: Kendal College)
Interns work alongside staff mentors, job coaches, and specialist tutors, gaining hands-on experience while developing essential communication and life skills.
In the 2023/24 academic year, 57 per cent of DFN Project SEARCH interns nationally progressed into paid employment, while fewer than five per cent of people with a learning disability known to local authorities are currently in paid employment.
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “We are delighted that our partnership programme with Kendal College, the NHS and Westmorland and Furness Council continues to go from strength to strength.
“We know that supported internships not only offer young people valuable employment opportunities and the chance to utilise their talents but help transform businesses and workplaces for the better.”
Steve Williamson, chief executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the continued success of DFN Project SEARCH at Kendal College and the life-changing opportunities it is creating for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“As an NHS organisation, we know that everyone deserves the chance to achieve their potential and enjoy the confidence, independence and sense of purpose that meaningful employment can bring.”
The success of the programme reflects themes highlighted in Kendal College’s recent Ofsted inspection, which praised its supportive learning environment and strong employer partnerships.
One graduate of the scheme, Bibi, secured a permanent job at Whipps Cross Hospital following her supported internship placement.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to build a career, contribute to their community and enjoy the independence that meaningful employment can bring.
“I’m delighted to see Kendal College leading the way with this partnership.
“It is opening doors for young people across Cumbria while helping employers access talented individuals who have so much to offer.”
Supported internships are said to benefit employers as well, with evidence showing they create more inclusive workplaces, strengthen workforce diversity, and improve staff morale and retention.
The partnership is aligning with the national ambitions of DFN Project SEARCH, which aims to help 10,000 young people into paid employment by 2030.
Kendal College is now preparing to welcome its next cohort of learners onto the programme as that goal edges closer.
