Autism Acceptance Week - Supported Internships
Supported Internships with Ambitious College at The Whittington Hospital
A supported internship (external link) is a transition to work programme where autistic young people can learn about the workplace by being in work.
Interns are based at The Whittington Hospital 5 days a week for an academic year. The site is staffed by a qualified teacher and job coaches to meet educational and training needs.
Through a series of three targeted internships, interns acquire competitive, marketable, and transferable skills to enable them to move into paid employment.
Placements offered as part of the internship include:
- Administration - various roles
- Receptionist
- Health records assistant
- Housekeeping
- Pharmacy
- Grounds maintenance
- Retail and customer service
- Hospitality
- Ward hosts
- Catering
- Play team
Supported internships are a great opportunity for autistic young people to combine work with their education. We caught up with Kelton, who is currently doing a catering internship, to tell us his thoughts about being on an internship with Ambitious College.
My name is Kelton. I’m a Catering Assistant in the Patient Dining and Retail Team at The Whittington Hospital.
On the internship, I have learnt how to pack and deliver patient meals to wards and heat them in the oven. I have become more social and confident speaking to others.
I am proud of the work I am doing at the hospital. When I graduate, I would like to work in a kitchen in a hospital or hotel.
This opportunity will equip young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with the skills needed for adulthood and employment. Placements form part of the intern’s education and are unpaid.
To register your interest or for more information please contact admissions@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
You can also visit the Ambitious College website (external link) to find out about upcoming open days.