Internship opportunities for young adults with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP)

Published: 07 Feb 2024

Young employee looking at a laptop

An exciting new supported internship programme to help young adults transition from education into employment will begin in York in September 2024. 

A supported internship is a one-year transition-to-work programme for young adults aged 17-24 with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), who are interested in learning valuable skills and joining the workforce. 

The partnership will create inclusive employment opportunities and empower young adults through specialised training and practical work experience.

The supported internship programme is a collaboration between Aviva, City of York Council, York College, and the national transition-to-work charity DFN Project SEARCH. The partnership will create inclusive employment opportunities and empower young adults through specialised training and practical work experience. The new interns will be working from Aviva’s offices in York. 

Aviva will host an open event about the programme on Monday 19th February 2024, between 15:30 and 18:30 at its Wellington Row offices in York, to help young people and their families find out more about the internship opportunities and how to apply. 

The event is open to anyone interested in the internship who are in their final years of education in any secondary educational setting within York. It is an opportunity to visit the Aviva offices and find out more about the roles available, as well as meet with DFN Project SEARCH and the education team at York College.

This initiative ensures we are celebrating the strengths of our communities and colleagues, alongside creating talent pathways into Aviva that are accessible for everyone, so all young adults can develop the employment skills they need to get ready for their futures.

Holly Hudson, Co-Chair of the Aviva’s Ability Community and York Supported Internships Lead

Holly Hudson, Co-Chair of the Aviva’s Ability Community and York Supported Internships Lead, says: “We are really excited to provide this opportunity for young adults in York with an Education, Health and Care plan, to work at Aviva, in collaboration with our dedicated partners across the county. 

“This initiative ensures we are celebrating the strengths of our communities and colleagues, alongside creating talent pathways into Aviva that are accessible for everyone, so all young adults can develop the employment skills they need to get ready for their futures.”

Cllr Pete Kilbane, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Transport, including Skills Development and Apprenticeships, says: “Last year, we set out our key priorities for the next four years, including making York a more equal place for everyone. We see again and again the positive impacts that diversity has on all aspects of our community, including in the workplace. 

“The internship is a brilliant example of how we’re working with partners from business, education, and the voluntary sector to build a fairer, more inclusive future. We are delighted to support the programme and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone in our city to learn, earn and grow.”

Claire Cookson, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “We are very proud to be working with Aviva, York College and York City Council to help more young people with special educational needs into meaningful employment. The open evening is a brilliant opportunity for young people and their families from the York area to find out more about the programme. Should they choose to sign up, young people will receive comprehensive support and crucial employability skills, opening doors to fulfilling future careers.”

DFN Project SEARCH works to build a more inclusive society by improving career opportunities for those with learning disabilities and autism. Their #InclusionRevolution campaign aims to support 10,000 young adults aged between 17 and 18 – 25, with a learning disability or autism into paid employment by 2030. 

For those planning on attending the event who require any adjustments for accessibility, please email yorksupportedinternships@aviva.com.

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Enquiries: 

About DFN Project SEARCH: 

  • DFN Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year transition to employment programme for young people with a learning disability, autism or both.  
  • DFN Project SEARCH believes that everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet fewer than 4.8% of people with a learning disability who are known to local authorities in England go on to secure full-time paid employment.
  • Its ambition is to ensure that everyone with a learning disability or autism can attain high-quality, integrated employment in their local area.  
  • The programme has supported more than 2,200 young people into paid work and their #InclusionRevolution campaign aims to help 10,000 young adults with SEND into paid employment by 2030. 
  • www.dfnprojectsearch.org  

Notes to editors:

  • We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
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