National Supported Internship Day 2026

Many people with a learning disability want a paid job. But there simply aren’t enough inclusive jobs or training opportunities to support them into employment. Office for National Statistics data (2025) shows around 75% of people in the UK are in work. For disabled people, that drops to 53.1%. For people with a learning disability, it’s around half that. Supported internships help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) learn on the job, build confidence, and take their first steps into paid work. Speaking to ITV News, Jackie O'Sullivan, Director of Strategy and Influence called for a SEND system that protects access to these programmes, and works for those who need it. #SupportedInternships #NSID #NationalSupportedInternshipDay