Recent figures suggest that only around 3 in 10 autistic adults (approximately 30–34%) are currently in paid employment. With this in mind, we were incredibly proud to host an inspiring employer engagement event celebrating the achievements, ambition, and talents of our Supported Interns. The event highlighted the importance of creating inclusive opportunities in the workplace while showcasing the incredible potential of young people taking part in Supported Internships.

Designed to provide employers with meaningful insight into the learner journey, the event offered a deeper understanding of the positive impact Supported Internships can have on both learners and businesses alike. It also created valuable opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and inspire future collaborations with employers committed to inclusive recruitment and workforce development.

Employers were welcomed by our learners and invited to visit the Pop-Up Shop, which was proudly run by interns with support from staff. This gave guests the opportunity to see learners demonstrating their communication, teamwork, customer service, and organisational skills in a real working environment. Throughout the event, employers met learners who had worked hard to develop professional CVs, build confidence, and prepare for the next stage of their career journeys.

One of the highlights of the event was the inspiring “Meet the Interns” panel. During this interactive Q&A session, learners spoke openly and confidently about their personal journeys, sharing the challenges they had overcome, the skills they had developed, and the aspirations they hold for the future. Their honesty, resilience, and determination made a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and powerfully demonstrated the value of providing meaningful opportunities and support.

The event provided employers with a valuable chance to connect directly with talented and motivated learners who are ready to take the next step into employment. It also enabled businesses to gain a clearer understanding of the Supported Internship model, explore ways to work in partnership with Weston College, and contribute to the development of learners’ confidence, independence, and employability skills.

Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager, said: “We were absolutely thrilled with the first Inclusive Futures Showcase. Witnessing 3 SEND learners speak so confidently on our panel about their aspirations, achievements and being open to offering advice to our employers in attendance about inclusive recruitment and barriers that they have faced, was incredibly inspiring.

“The engagement and encouragement from the employers at our reverse careers fair towards all our learners made a real impact and the event really demonstrated the power of why embedding inclusion into careers is so vital. The team from the Send Supported Excellence Hub are now looking forward to continuing building stronger, sustainable and open recruitment for all our learners with our incredible partners.”

By attending, employers were not only able to identify potential future talent for their organisations, but also actively support their own inclusion and diversity goals by helping to create more accessible pathways into employment.

Their encouragement, engagement, and willingness to champion inclusive opportunities genuinely made a difference to our learners, and we were delighted to welcome such supportive employers to this exciting and uplifting event.