Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s supported internship programme is an exciting opportunity for young people aged 18 to 25 years with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCPEHCPA legal document that describes a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs. It explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support the child or young person to achieve what they want to in their life.). Our internship model is aimed at students with an EHCPEHCPA legal document that describes a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs. It explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support the child or young person to achieve what they want to in their life. who have completed their formal education and are now looking to receive final support before they enter the world of paid employment.
Young people accessing the BCP Council supported internship programme attend tutor lead sessions hosted within BCP Council Civic Centre where they enhance and develop transferable employment skills. Alongside classroom-based work, the interns also work alongside BCP Council staff across a range of council departments, and they are supported during these placements by experienced job coaches.
The BCP Council supported internship programme takes place over the course of an academic year (September until July). Interns who graduate from the course may go on to apply for employment within BCP Council or they could choose to apply for work across the local area. Ongoing job coach support is offered as the interns transition into the world of employment.
Applications are open for the next cohort of supported interns to start in September 2026.
Some key dates for application
- Parents and Carers Information Event – Monday 27 April 2026
- Young Person AssessmentAssessment Measures children and young people’s learning and development and identifies additional needs. and Information Centre – Tuesday 19 May 2026
- Summer Meet and Greet – Thursday 13 August 2026
Further information and contact details
Watch the video below if you would you like to know more about what our supported interns get up to.
BCP Council are proud to be delivering this project with partner organisations SWRAC and Discovery-UK.
For further information, please contact Helen Lewis, BCP Council’s Supported Internships Project Manager at supportedinternships@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Meet the team and find out more about the BCP Supported Internship Programme – 27 April 2026 4-5pm at Bournemouth Civic Centre, see Parent Carer Information Event for more information. To book a place, please e-mail supportedinterships@bcp.gov.uk
Find out more about other types of apprenticeships, internships and training.