Aviva reopens supported internship applications for young people with autism

Aviva has opened applications for the next cohort of its supported internship programme.

Moving into its second year, the programme aims to help young people with autism transition from education into employment.

In the programme, interns are supported by an onsite job coach and will gain work experience and develop skills for their future.

In 2024, some 80% of interns on the course were made permanent employees at Aviva after making successful applications to vacant roles.  

As the project sponsor, Owen Morris, chief executive of personal lines at Aviva, said: “After the success of our first cohort, it’s brilliant that we are preparing for our next group of supported interns.

“The achievements of our interns so far are testament to their hard work and commitment and it’s fantastic to see that many have chosen to continue their careers at Aviva.

”We’re proud to offer opportunities at Aviva for neurodivergent young people and I look forward to welcoming even more interns next year.”   

Collaboration

The supported internship is a one-year transition-to-work programme for young people aged between 17 and 19 with autism and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), who are interested in learning valuable skills and joining the workforce.   

The scheme is done in partnership with employment support social enterprise Pluss, which is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.

Neil Cattle, learning disability manager at Pluss, said:  “Pluss is proud to partner with Aviva to empower autistic young people through meaningful work experience.

”This collaboration creates mutual benefits – interns gain valuable skills while workplaces benefit from fresh perspectives and unique strengths. Together, we’re helping to build a more inclusive future.”