Supported Internship Information Session – St John’s College

About the Session

Come along to this information session to learn about Supported Internship opportunities with St John’s College, delivered in partnership with Amazon and Chartwells Universities.

The session will explain:

• What a Supported Internship is
• Who can apply
• What the Amazon programme in Crawley and the Chartwells programme at the University of Sussex involve
• There will also be time to ask questions and speak to staff from the programme.

What Is a Supported Internship?

A Supported Internship is a one-year programme for young people aged 18–25 who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan and want to move into paid employment.

• The programme combines:
• Real workplace experience
• Classroom learning
• Support from specialist staff and job coaches
• The goal is to build skills, confidence, and independence, and to support young people into sustainable employment.

Amazon Supported Internship – Crawley

From September 2026, St John’s College will be launching a new Supported Internship programme based at the Amazon site in Crawley, West Sussex.

Interns will:

• Be based at Amazon five days a week
• Take part in different workplace rotations
• Learn the skills needed for the Level 1 Amazon Associate role
• Receive ongoing support from St John’s College staff and job coaches

What Kind of Work Is Involved?

• Interns may take part in tasks such as:
• Sorting, scanning, and preparing orders
• Using smartphones and handheld devices
• Loading, lifting, and staging parcels
• Following safety procedures
• Working as part of a team
• All tasks are taught with training, feedback, and tailored support.

What Will You Learn?

The programme includes classroom learning alongside workplace experience. Interns will develop:

• Employability skills (teamwork, communication, time management)
• English and maths, linked to real work tasks
• Confidence, independence, and social skills
• Job‑specific skills for working at Amazon
• Lessons are led by a qualified teacher, with support from job coaches.

Chartwells Supported Internship – University of Sussex, Brighton

The Chartwells Universities Supported Internship programme is based at the University of Sussex in Brighton and offers autistic young people the opportunity to develop the skills needed for adulthood and employment.

The programme:

• Takes place in a business and hospitality setting within the university
• Fully immerses learners in the workplace environment
• Focuses on learning through continuous feedback and real work activities
• Builds competitive employability skills valued by employers
• Interns gain experience in a professional setting while being supported by specialist staff and job coaches, helping them prepare for work and greater independence.

Who Can Apply?

You may be suitable for one of these programmes if you:

• Are aged 18–25
• Have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
• Are autistic or have a related learning difficulty
• Want to move into employment
• Are interested in spending a year learning new skills in the workplace
• Are an independent traveller, or working towards this
• Are willing to complete and pass a DBS check (required for Amazon placements)

What Happens After the Programme?

Many interns move into paid employment after completing the programme

Others use the skills, confidence, and experience gained to find work elsewhere or continue their career journey

The programme focuses on preparing interns for independent life and employment

Who Should Attend?

Young people aged 18–25 with an EHC plan

You’re very welcome to bring a parent, carer, support worker, or friend.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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