Supported internships don’t just change lives – they enrich workplaces, foster diverse talent and create lasting benefits for both employees and businesses. This National Supported Internship Day 2025 (Thursday 27 March), Team Domenica are celebrating all the young people and businesses who help make workplace a brighter, more inclusive place.

What is a supported internship?

In the UK, only 4.8% of people with learning disabilities are in paid work (NHS Digital, 2024). We’re here to change this. Since opening in 2016, 80% of our young people have found meaningful employment through our Supported Internship Programme.

A supported internship is an extended, accessible work placement where candidates develop the skills and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and thrive.

Team Domenica’s tailored approach ensures that every internship matches our candidates’ skills, interests, and ambitions with the needs of the employer. Candidates receive on-the-job training with a Team Domenica Job Coach, whilst also developing their skills at our training centre and non-profit cafés (Café Domenica).

Olly is thriving at Maldron Hotel, Brighton

Second-year candidate Olly is completing a supported internship at Maldron Hotel, Brighton. Since starting his placement, he’s gained confidence, developed new skills, and become a valued member of the team. Working in the breakfast room, Olly clears plates, clean tables and assists guests – a role he particularly enjoys. He says:

I’m really proud of myself for all the work I’m doing here. The team is really nice, I like them. And I like my Job Coaches. My favourite task is clearing tables and talking to the customers because we have interesting conversations.

Olly’s enthusiasm has been recognised by his team and guests alike, with many leaving positive reviews on public platforms such as Trip Advisor:

“We just returned from a one night stay at this lovely hotel and everything was exceptional. […] At breakfast we were lucky enough to meet a lovely young man called Olly. He was amazing; he was polite, kind and attentive. He is a credit to the hotel!!!”

What is a Job Coach?

A Job Coach is a skilled professional providing personalised training and on-the-job assistance. One of Olly’s Job Coaches, Valerie, helped him build confidence through structured routines and visual guides. She also encourages him to challenge himself and grow. With her support, Olly is becoming more independent, using his initiative, and requiring less guidance.

The people at Maldron are fantastic, and Olly is just brilliant! They get him, encourage him, and he’s really been welcomed into the team.

Valerie, Team Domenica Job Coach

A Win-Win for Businesses

Maldron Hotel Brighton have truly embraced supported internships, with the programme having a positive impact for Olly, his colleagues and the wider local community. Isabel, HR Manager at Maldron Brighton, highlights how working with Olly has benefited the hotel:

Having Olly with us has been really rewarding. Not only in relation to his own journey, but in the overall sense of inclusion and diversity he fosters in our workplace.

Other companies might hesitate to get involved – worried that an internship would be extra work – but Team Domenica’s support makes it easy. As a team, and as a company, it has really made us evaluate how we think and how we train. The programme’s impact is clear. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing even more success stories unfold.

Isabel, HR Manager at Maldron Hotel Brighton

Feeling inspired?

National Supported Internship Day is all about making a difference. If you’re looking to champion workplace inclusion, or would like us to present at your workplace, get in touch with our employment team at supported-employment@teamdomenica.com.