DCG calls on local employers to support life changing internships for young people with SEND

CrossCountry Voyager refurbishment programme underway at Alstom's Derby Litchurch Lane Works (Credit - Steve Bright)

Derby College Group (DCG) is appealing to local businesses to come forward and offer work placements as part of its Supported Internship programme, ahead of a new cohort of 30 students beginning in September 2026.

DCG is working with talented young people with SEND who are ready to gain workplace experience and take their next steps towards paid employment. While several placements have already been secured, more employers are needed to help ensure every intern can succeed.

Nationally, young people with SEND are around 80 per cent less likely to be in employment or training than their peers, according to figures cited by Cheshire East Council’s own supported internship scheme.

Supported internships exist to close that gap, combining a substantial work placement with the support of a dedicated job coach.

Over the past year, DCG’s interns have developed skills, confidence and independence through placements with several organisations including Citizens Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions

For employers, the benefits go beyond social value. Research from the National Development Team for Inclusion has found that employees with SEND are often highly dedicated and can improve overall staff retention, and that businesses offering supported internships often see a boost to workplace culture and reputation as an inclusive employer. Elsewhere, programmes such as Oxfordshire’s have reported around 60 per cent of interns moving into paid work after completing their placement.

Why become a Supported Internship employer?

• No wage costs for a six to nine month internship
• Dedicated support from an experienced Inclusion Job Coach
• Opportunity to develop future talent within your organisation
• Strengthen your commitment to inclusion and social value
• Make a meaningful difference to a young person’s future

Aaron Denton, Vice Principal for Student Experience and Pastoral Support at DCG, said: “The internships provide the opportunity for young people to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need. We have had so many successes where young people have gone on to be in roles they really enjoy and feel fulfilled.”

James Spencer, Senior Project Manager at Alstom, which has supported interns through its ASPIRE programme at the Derby Litchurch Lane Works, said: “We are very pleased the Voyager refurbishment project can offer its support in this exciting Alstom-supported internship programme, providing workplace experience. The mechanical and electrical work scopes provide a broad range of hands-on experience, helping develop valuable skills for future careers.”

Could your organisation offer a placement, or introduce DCG to an employer who could?

Businesses interested in finding out more can contact DCG’s Supported Internship team on 0800 0280289, asking to speak to an Inclusion Job Coach, or by emailing jobcoach @ derby-college.ac.uk. More information is available on the Derby College website at derby-college.ac.uk.