Surrey Choices | Internship | Employment

While thousands of young people have gone back to college, university or started apprenticeships this month, for some the path into education, employment or training is much harder to navigate.

For many young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent or who have struggled in traditional education settings, the transition from the classroom into meaningful employment can feel overwhelming.

However, a Surrey Supported Internship programme supporting young people with additional needs who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is proving that with the right support, mentoring, and opportunities, all young people can thrive.

The 2025/26 programme, delivered by social care organisation Surrey Choices, is expanding following exceptional results from its latest cohort: 30 young people aged 18–24 who were NEET and had additional needs but did not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Many participants had experienced significant barriers to education and employment, including poor mental health, low confidence, social isolation, limited qualifications and long periods of disengagement.

For one of those young people, J, the future is looking incredibly bright since completing the Surrey Choices Supported Internship. Before the programme, J had developed anxiety and stopped attending school at 15 without completing GCSEs. After two years NEET he wasn’t seeing friends or going out at all. J’s mum Amanda says, “This has been life changing for him. He has passed all his functional skills exams and has just secured his first dream job at Chessington World of Adventures.”

The programme has achieved outstanding outcomes across the board:

100% remained engaged throughout the programme or achieved a positive outcome

44% secured paid employment

27% progressed into further or higher education

9 participants undertook English and Maths qualifications, with 89% achieving their English qualification and 45% achieving their Maths qualification

The impact of the programme extends beyond employment and education outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved communication, enhanced wellbeing and greater independence. Strong friendships were developed across the cohort, helping to reduce social isolation and increase community participation.

The programme has helped young people develop the skills and confidence to travel independently, enabling greater access to education, employment and community opportunities. For many participants, the alternative would have been continued unemployment, no engagement in education or training, and limited involvement in community life, highlighting the programme’s important preventative and inclusive role.

Louise Hayes, Operations Director at Surrey Choices, said:

“For many of the young people we work with, the barriers to employment are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With personalised support, real workplace experience and employers willing to recognise potential, young people can achieve remarkable outcomes. We are delighted to have received renewed funding via the Department for Education to continue this important project. There is limited provision and a huge appetite for support amongst this cohort of young people who often fall through the gaps.”

Funding has now been secured for the next year of the programme, increasing capacity to 40 young people from September 2026 to August 2027. There are already 20 referrals for the new cohort, with further referrals expected over the autumn.

The programme’s success has been underpinned by strong partnership working across Surrey, including collaboration with East Surrey College, Surrey County Council’s SEND and NEET teams, employers, Jobcentre Plus and education providers.

The programme continues to welcome employers and other partners who want to support inclusive recruitment, help close the disability employment gap and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Surrey.

ENDS