Access Interns
Help young people with disabilities to access hands-on experience across a range of industries to help them gain skills, knowledge and build confidence and self-esteem.
Access Interns is a new initiative by Variety, the Children’s Charity, in collaboration with the Kartik Foundation, to help these young people by providing pathways to employment opportunities so that they can build an independent future.
The Programme
To date, there has been limited success in providing opportunities in the workplace for young people with disabilities. Access Interns helps young people with disabilities to gain a bespoke hands-on experience in a variety of industries. We pair the young person with employers who are committed to providing the right environment for them. In addition, we support interview preparations and deliver mentoring and job coaching sessions to assist young people build their professional profile and begin their careers.
Eligibility
This programme is suitable for young people who are generally studying at educational institutions (e.g., mainstream secondary school, sixth form, colleges and/or FE colleges in the UK). Eligible candidates must experience difficulties in one of the following:
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and learning
- Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties
- Sensory and/or physical needs
This programme does not require previous experience and/or knowledge. Access Interns will generally place candidates over the age of 18 in corporate internships, but we may also place younger candidates in certain apprenticeship programmes.
Our Supporters
We work with organisations who believe in unlimited success in the workplace for young people with disabilities. Our mission is to break down the barriers faced by disabled young people in the workplace and give talented individuals the confidence and opportunity to kick-start their careers. We are very appreciative of the support received from the following organisations:
Meeting Our Inspiring Interns
Welcome to the feedback section where we showcase the thoughts and experiences of our talented interns from the 2022-23 cohort. Let’s hear directly from our interns:
“I found the hands-on experience and mentorship to be the most beneficial aspects of the internship program. Yes, I would recommend the Access Interns internship to other students as it was an exciting and an interesting experience for me. I got to learn new skills, and it was enjoyable.”
Disability: Deaf and Cerebral Palsy Left Hemiplegia
Current Pursuit: Studying Education BSc at Brunel University London
“This was a priceless experience.”
Disability: Muscular Dystrophy
Current Pursuit: Studying Architecture at University
“Yes, I would recommend Access Interns internship programs to other students, especially since this allows them to get insight on what the profession awaits.”
Disability: Deaf
Current Pursuit: Completing a Degree Apprenticeship in Law
These testimonials capture the essence of the positive experiences our interns had during their time with Access Interns.
Please take a moment to watch one of our interns share their thoughts and insights about their internship experience at Access Interns:
Thank you to our interns for sharing their experiences. We look forward to more successful cohorts in the future!
If you’re considering an internship that goes beyond routine tasks and aims to provide a truly immersive and educational experience, Access Interns might be the right fit for you.