Gareth Davey, Deputy Headteacher at Bank View School and Supported Internship Lead, discusses how, over the past seven years, they have worked closely with Helen Roberts, Manager of Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Royal Albert Dock, to develop a supported internship programme that is transforming the lives of students.
 

Aims of the project

The central aim of the project is simple but powerful: to create meaningful opportunities for autistic young people to gain real-world work experience, build independence and develop the skills needed for future employment. We wanted to bridge the gap between education and the workplace, ensuring that our students are not only prepared academically but also equipped with the confidence and practical skills to thrive in adult life. In many cases, this is even more of a priority for our students.
 

About the internship programme

The internship programme runs across a full school year. Each year, three students are selected to take part. Their week is carefully structured to balance academic learning with workplace experience:

• Four days a week at the hotel – Students are immersed in the daily operations of the Holiday Inn Express. They learn practical job skills, from housekeeping and customer service to teamwork and problem-solving.
• One day a week at school – Students continue with English and maths, ensuring they maintain academic progress alongside their vocational training, as well as employability accreditation supporting their in-context learning.
• Independent travel – A key part of the programme is supporting students to travel independently to and from work. This builds confidence, resilience and essential life skills.

The hotel team, led by Helen Roberts, has been fully engaged in the process. Staff have welcomed the interns, provided training and offered encouragement every step of the way.

A further development to the programme last year was the introduction of a pre-internship year with year 12 students which has had a major impact on the confidence and independence of the students taking part. Helen commented on the positive impact of this development: “The difference between this year’s interns and previous is noticeable, and the only thing I can put that down to is the pre-internship”.
 

Project outcomes

The outcomes have been remarkable:

• Employment opportunities – At the end of the internship, students are offered the chance to apply for paid roles. Already, three former interns are now employed at the Holiday Inn Express Royal Albert Dock.
• Life-changing skills – Students gain independence, employability skills and self-esteem. They learn how to manage responsibilities, interact with colleagues and contribute meaningfully to a workplace.
• Positive impact on staff – The hotel team has reported that supporting the interns has boosted staff wellbeing. Many staff members describe the experience as rewarding and uplifting, adding a new sense of purpose to their roles.
   

Implications for autistic people and professionals

For autistic young people, the transition from school to employment can be especially daunting. This project demonstrates that with the right support, clear structure and genuine partnership between schools and employers, the barriers can be reduced significantly.

Professionals working with autistic people can take inspiration from this model:

• Collaboration is key – Strong links between education providers and employers create sustainable pathways.
• Accessible training matters – Breaking down tasks into clear, manageable steps helps students succeed.
• Confidence grows with experience – Real-world practice builds resilience in ways that classroom learning alone cannot.

For employers, the project highlights the benefits of inclusive practice. Not only do students gain invaluable opportunities but businesses also benefit from motivated, enthusiastic team members who bring fresh perspectives.
 

Recommendations

While the project has already shown significant success, there are areas worth exploring further:

• Scaling the model – How can similar partnerships be developed with other businesses across different sectors?
• Long-term outcomes – Tracking the career progression of interns over several years would provide valuable insights into the sustainability of employment.
• Employer training – Developing resources to help employers better understand autism and inclusive practices could strengthen future programmes.
   

Conclusion

The supported internship programme between Bank View School and Holiday Inn Express Royal Albert Dock is more than just a work placement – it is a life-changing opportunity. For our students, it opens doors to independence, confidence and employment. For the hotel team, it has enriched their workplace culture and wellbeing.

This collaboration shows what is possible when schools and employers work together with a shared vision: creating pathways that empower autistic young people to thrive in the world of work.