Real opportunities for inclusive careers

Access Interns supports young people with disabilities (with or without an Educational, Health and Care Plans) through hands-on corporate internships throughout July and August. We carefully match interns with employers committed to the right support, helping build the skills, confidence and self-esteem for a successful career.

Student registrations are currently closed. Registrations for Access Interns 2027 will open in October.

Register your interest as a student
Register your interest as a company

How it works as a student

Apply

Complete the online application form and tell us a bit about yourself and what you are looking for.

Match

If you meet the specific criteria for Access Interns, our team will match you with an employer suited to your interests, skills and support needs.

Intern

Gain hands-on experience in a real corporate role throughout the summer.

Grow

Leave with new skills, a stronger CV and the confidence to build your career.

How it works as a company

Partner

Tell us about your team and the kind of placement you’re able to offer.

Prepare

We help you get set up with the right support, so your intern’s environment works for them from day one.

Host

Welcome your intern for their summer placement.

Reflect

Capture the impact for your CSR and social value reporting.

How to apply

To be eligible to apply for the Access Interns programme, you must meet the following criteria.

  • Identify as having a disability or long-term condition as defined in the Equality Act 2012 and/or have a Special Education Need (SEN) in one of these areas: communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social, emotional and mental health, sensory and/or physical needs.
  • Right to work in the UK during the summer.
  • Be in your final year of post-16 education, aged 18 to 19 by July 2027.
The right to work in the UK

To participate in the Access Interns programme, you must have the right to work in the UK.

During the application process, you will be required to show your passport, or other documentation, to prove your eligibility to work in the UK. A driving licence cannot be used as right to work evidence.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme or e-visa you will need to provide a share code and your date of birth.

Specific criteria for Access Interns applicants

Ideal candidates for the Access Interns programme should meet the following criteria:

  • Motivation to build CV experience: Demonstrates an eagerness to gain professional experience, showing commitment and the skills necessary to succeed in a corporate environment.
  • Responsiveness to communication: Proactively checks and responds to emails or other communications from the Access Interns team, ensuring smooth and timely correspondence.
  • Workplace readiness: Shows a willingness to engage in a professional setting, with an enthusiasm for learning, collaborating, and contributing positively.
  • Reliability and accountability: Manges times effectively, meets deadlines, and follows through on responsibilities.
  • Independence: The programme provides opportunities to be work self-sufficiently in a professional setting. Interns must also be able to travel to the office independently.

Please note each application is thoroughly reviewed to ensure suitability for the Access Interns Programme. We will not ask you for medical evidence of your disability. We only ask that you identify with the the full definition on the UK Government website.

Apply now
Hannah, intern, Mountpark
“I had the opportunity to go to meetings with clients, seeing my mentor in action was amazing. I’ve learned so many things. It’s got me thinking that you can do pretty much anything.”

Organisations we work with

We continually seek to expand our network of employers who believe in unlimited success in the workplace for young people with disabilities. Access Interns provides pathways to meaningful employment, building self-esteem, knowledge, confidence and a diverse community.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Cathline, Programme Manager for Access Interns, at interns@variety.org.uk.

Register your interest as a company
Amy, consultant, PA Consulting
“All organisations should get involved in Access Interns because if you want an equitable workplace and workforce, then you need to give opportunities to all young people from all walks of life.”

Schools we work with

We collaborate with schools and colleges to open up corporate internships for their students, whether or not they have an Education, Health and Care plan, or additional special educational needs (SEN) support. Get in touch at interns@variety.org.uk.

FAQs

Do I need to prove my disability?

No medical evidence is required. You just need to identify with the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability, or have an identified special educational need (SEN).

When do placements take place?

Placements run during July and August, alongside corporate internship and apprenticeship programmes.

Can I use a driving licence to prove my right to work?

No, a driving licence is not accepted as right-to-work evidence. You will need a passport or other valid documentation, or a share code if you have settled or pre-settled status.

Contact Us

Please keep us up to date if you are a candidate and your circumstances change. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us at interns@variety.org.uk.