Nottinghamshire interns turn workplace skills into paid jobs

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-07-30 13:45 2 min read

Three people smiling in front of gold balloons, with the center person holding a folder.

A year of workplace training has helped Nottinghamshire young people build confidence, gain practical experience and move into paid employment.

Ten graduates from supported internship programmes have secured paid jobs as a direct result of their placements, according to Nottinghamshire County Council Newsroom.

The graduates recently marked the end of a 12-month programme alongside parents and carers, employers, education providers and local authority partners. The event reflected on their progress and the steps they are now taking towards employment.

Ten interns move into paid employment

Supported internships are designed for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They combine real workplace experience with tailored support, helping participants develop skills needed for employment while building confidence and independence.

Many of the graduates spoke about how their placements had helped them feel more capable at work and prepared them for their next steps. The programme also gives employers the opportunity to support interns within their teams and develop more inclusive workplaces.

Owen, a DFN Project SEARCH graduate who has secured full-time employment at Butlins, said the programme had given him the confidence and skills he needed for his future. He also credited the team’s support with helping him apply for the role and attend an open day with a job coach.

Employers see benefits for their teams

Peter Averall, Production Manager at Capita Intelligent Communication, said interns had shown commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. He added that seeing their confidence grow had been rewarding and that the programme had brought value to the wider workplace culture.

Nottinghamshire interns turn workplace skills into paid jobs

The placements are built through partnerships between employers, education providers, support services and the council. That approach gives interns access to workplace mentors and practical opportunities, while helping organisations find ways to develop a more diverse workforce.

Councillor Simon Wright, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Nottinghamshire County Council, said first-hand experience can make a significant difference to young people with additional needs. He encouraged families and employers to explore the available routes into work.

Support continues for graduates seeking work

The college will continue helping interns who have not yet found employment. This includes support with job applications, interview preparation and identifying suitable opportunities.

Louise Dakin, SEND Employability Manager at West Nottinghamshire College, said the DFN Project SEARCH and bespoke Supported Internship programmes form part of the college’s commitment to education that leads to meaningful employment.

The council works with several education providers to deliver and promote supported internship programmes across Nottinghamshire. Families, young people and employers interested in finding out more can use the routes-into-work information provided by the council’s SEND local offer.

Source: Nottinghamshire County Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source check

This report was prepared from the Nottinghamshire County Council Newsroom account of the supported internship graduation event and its employment outcomes.

Checks

Confirmed the 12-month programme structure and graduate event details.
Checked the reported figure of ten interns securing paid jobs.
Retained the named employers, programme providers and quoted roles supplied in the source.
Separated confirmed ongoing job-search support from completed employment outcomes.

Nottinghamshire County Council Newsroom Check supported internships