NHS England Choices College is a specialist College providing tailored educational support, and a supported internship course for young adults aged 16 24 with learning disabilities/difficulties and /or Autism. They partner with NHS healthcare settings, local organisations, and private businesses to create supported work environments that provide real work experience for learners.
Choices College support is tailored to each learner, based on their skills and interests. Interns spend 1-year learning maths, English and employability skills and attend up to three, 12-week placements with a Choices College Partner. The College is supported by the NHS as part of the ongoing commitment to improving employment outcomes for vulnerable groups.
Choices College interns use the course as a pre-entry level qualification to move into apprenticeships, work or further education.
In 2021 – 2022 academic year, of the Choices College interns that completed the course:
- 59% entered paid employment, apprenticeships or volunteering roles.
- 20% went on to complete further higher education
Read about Matthew’s Intern story who is on placement within the Histology lab at North Tees Hospital.
Learn more about Josh’s experiences at Redcar Primary Care Hospital where he has undertaken a placement within the portering department.
Read more about Nathan’s experiences at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. Nathan is now working as a Ward Assistant in the Emergency Department.
“I was really excited for this opportunity. I like to talk to the patients and make sure they are ok. I was over the moon to get a job because I have been in hospital many times because I was very poorly and I wanted to give something back.”
Learn about this programme on our Support Internships page.