Celebrating National Supported Internship Day 2025
Celebrating Intern Success Across Wales Through Partnership, Purpose, and Possibility
At ELITE Supported Employment, we believe every young person has the potential to thrive in the world of work. Our Supported Internship Programme offers a meaningful route into employment for young people with additional needs, helping them grow in confidence, develop practical skills, and work towards a future they are proud of.
This National Supported Internship Day, we are shining a light on the achievements of our interns and the incredible network of colleges, employers, and supporters who stand beside them. The day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of the importance of inclusive employment and the positive change we can create together.
What is a Supported Internship?
A supported internship is a structured study programme based primarily in the workplace. It is designed for young people aged 16 to 24 who have additional needs and want to move into employment but need some extra support.
The aim is to help each young person gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to progress. Interns take part in job role rotations in real workplaces, supported by employment advisors and job coaches, with the opportunity to build practical skills and explore future career paths.
Every supported internship is tailored to meet the individual’s needs and goals. You can learn more about how the programme works on our Supported Internships page.
Celebrating Creativity and Experience
To mark Supported Internship Day, we launched a creative competition inviting our interns to share their stories and experiences. The response has been fantastic and reflects the impact of the programme across Wales.
We will be announcing the winners soon, with prizes being presented to our lucky Interns. A huge thank you to every intern who entered. The judging process was incredibly difficult because of the quality and thought behind every submission.
Working together across Wales!
We have come so far
Together, we support interns across Cardiff, Merthyr, Gwent, Bridgend, Carmarthen and Neath Port Talbot.
Since the programme began, over 350 young people have taken part. This year, we are currently supporting 47 interns across Wales.
In 2024, 59 interns completed their internships. Some moved into paid jobs, others continued their learning or gained more work experience, each one moving forward with purpose and support.
A Spotlight on Partnership: CTM University Health Board
We work with brilliant employers who open their doors to supported interns, creating welcoming, inclusive workplaces. One of these partners is CTM University Health Board (CTMUHB).
Since 2022, CTMUHB has hosted 83 interns at Prince Charles Hospital and Princess of Wales Hospital. These placements provide experience in a variety of roles, including pharmacy, admin and support services.
Why We’re Celebrating
Supported Internship Day is all about recognising the achievements of our interns – not just in the workplace, but in themselves. The confidence they’ve built, the independence they’ve gained, and the progress they’ve made all deserve to be seen and celebrated.
This year, Interns took part in a creative competition to share their stories through artwork, writing and video. Their entries were thoughtful, personal and full of pride, highlighting the difference supported internships make.
“The way your confidence grows when being an intern is amazing. I wasn’t so confident in school – I would always pull away when it came to speaking up in class, but now I’m so much better at it. I was nervous about going to work, but now I feel confident about starting new jobs and meeting new people.”
– Chloe, Supported Intern at Princess Of Wales Hospital
The People Behind the Programme
Supported internships would not be possible without the staff who guide and support interns every day – our employment advisors, job coaches, and mentors.
“The most inspiring part of Supported Internships is watching young people grow in confidence and independence. It’s amazing to see interns break through barriers and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach.”
– Sean Vickery, Employment Advisor for ELITE Supported Employment
Looking Ahead
Supported internships are about creating opportunity. They show that, with the right support, every young person can move forward into a more confident, independent future.
We’re proud of every intern who has been part of our programme and grateful to the colleges, employers, and teams who help make it happen.
Happy National Supported Internship Day 2025 from all of us at ELITE Supported Employment.