This summer, United Colleges Group celebrated another cohort of interns graduating from its longstanding Supported Internships programme, equipping young people with skills required to succeed in the workplace.
United Colleges Group’s Supported Internships programme helps 17-24 year olds with an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP) develop crucial employability skills in a bridging year after their education to get ready for the world of work. The programme partners with a range of host businesses to offer interns a ‘real world’ job experience, nurturing their confidence, professional behaviour and interview skills to set them up for success in paid employment.
Many of this year’s graduates have earned City & Guilds Employability Skills qualification and Maths & English qualifications, bolstering their CV even further as they begin interviewing for paid work opportunities.
Graduates from this year’s programme were spread across a host of London businesses and took part in a variety of skills-building activities across the academic year. For example, Westminster City Council interns spent one day per week of their internship with a teacher in Westminster City Hall, and the rest of their days on work rotations with the council or associated employers in roles covering administration, retail, hospitality and gardening.
This year, Charing Cross Hospital interns spent one hour each morning with a dedicated tutor, before completing work rotation in departments including Microbiology, Pathology, IT and Maintenance. In previous years, Charing Cross Graduates have gone on to paid roles as Porters, Laundry Technicians and Patient Dining Supervisors within the hospital and other paid work and apprenticeships externally.
Thanks to United Colleges Group’s strong, positive relationships with wider London institutions, the Supported Internship programme also extends to Brent Civic Centre in Wembley Park and Goldman Sachs in Farringdon. What’s more, as well as a dedicated tutor, interns receive professional guidance from a job coach on site, helping to develop their confidence in the workplace.
Jasmine Jade, Supported Internships Curriculum Manager at United Colleges Group, said “A massive congratulations to all our interns who have graduated this year on the programme. It’s a huge leap from college to the world of work and our interns should all be proud of taking that step. They have gained the skills and qualities needed to be successful in employment and ready for their future careers.”
Many of the interns on this year’s Supported Internship programme are alumni of United Colleges Group, having previously graduated from courses at City of Westminster College and College of North West London. Promoting high aspirations in the learning community and setting student alumni up for success with tangible, supportive internships is reflective of United Colleges Group’s commitment to deliver outstanding world class education and skills and enhancing professional outcomes.
For more information about United College Groups Supported Internship programmes, visit City of Westminster College https://www.cwc.ac.uk/courses/supported-internships or College of North West London https://www.cnwl.ac.uk/courses/section/supported-internships.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
