Supported Internships

What are supported Internships?

A supported internship is a structured, work-based learning programme designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move into paid employment.

At Hartlepool Borough Council, our supported internships run over the course of a full academic year and include three different workplace placements. This variety ensures that each intern gains a broad and valuable insight into the world of work, tailored to their interests and strengths.

Our goal is to work closely with each young person throughout their journey—helping them become job-ready and providing full support as they take the next step into meaningful, paid employment.

You can find just some of our Intern's testimonials below.

Who are they for?

Typically aimed at young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) but we do not exclude those without an EHCP.
Designed for those who want to work but need extra support to do so.

Our Intern's Testimonials

DFN project Search

At Hartlepool Borough Council, we are proud to partner with DFN Project SEARCH, a nationally recognised charity that delivers a transformative supported internship programme. This initiative is designed to help young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions gain the skills, confidence, and experience they need to move into meaningful, long-term employment.

Through this partnership, we are committed to creating inclusive opportunities that empower young people in our community to thrive in the workplace and achieve greater independence.

Home | DFN Project SEARCH

We have two different types of supported internship on offer:

Hartlepool Borough Council supported internship with DFN Project Search

This dynamic programme offers young people the opportunity to gain real-world work experience through placements both within Hartlepool Borough Council and with a variety of local businesses across the Hartlepool community.

These diverse placements help interns build valuable skills, grow in confidence, and prepare for meaningful employment in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The programme is fully supported by Hartlepool Borough Council, with a dedicated tutor programme lead and an on-site job coach to guide and mentor each intern throughout their journey.

Asda in partnership with Hartlepool borough Council and DFN Project Search supported internship.

We are proud to work in partnership with ASDA and DFN Project SEARCH.

This exciting programme offers a wide variety of real workplace experiences, with 14 different placement opportunities across various departments within ASDA. Interns gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and build confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The programme is fully supported by Hartlepool Borough Council, with a dedicated tutor programme lead and an on-site job coach to guide and mentor each intern throughout their journey.

Together, we are committed to helping young people achieve greater independence and move confidently toward meaningful, long-term employment.

At Hartlepool Borough Council, we understand that paid employment isn’t the right path for everyone. That’s why we take a holistic approach to support individuals in finding purposeful and fulfilling opportunities that suit their unique strengths and aspirations.

Volunteering Opportunities

For those interested in giving back to the community and gaining valuable experience, we offer dedicated support through our experienced job coach, who works closely with individuals to explore and secure meaningful volunteering roles that align with their interests and goals.

For more information on the above please email: supported.internships@hartlepool.gov.uk