Kingston Supported Interns graduate in the Guildhall

The Guildhall in Kingston provided a very special setting to celebrate the 2026 cohort of Supported Interns from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. The internship is run by the College in partnership with Achieving for Children, with the aim of creating inclusive, sustainable pathways to employment for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Kingston and Richmond.

Ian Dodds, Director of Children’s Services, Achieving for Children said, “I’m very proud of your determination, your talent that you’ve brought into all your job placements, and all of your achievements.”

Mel Shepherd, Director of Work Based Learning at Orchard Hill College told the interns, “It’s been lovely to see your growth, your confidence, your resilience, your autonomy throughout this whole year. I think that everybody who has been part of this programme can really see that growth within all of you as well.”

One of the interns, Charlie, who had placements in the council and at a local primary school said, “It was really good and I liked teaching sports. It really helped looking for new jobs.”

Another intern Luke, who rotated through various placements at the council, said “I would definitely recommend the supported internship because it’s meant that I’ve been able to get so much different work experience. I’ve worked in about five teams in total. It’s been a good experience and I’ve got a ton of assistance with future employment, with applying for jobs. and I am very thankful.”

Well done to all the Supported Interns, we look forward to hearing about your next steps!