Marvin OnumonuAviva will run its Supported Internships Programme in York for a third year, with an open day at the Wellington Row offices on 19th January from 3:00 to 6:30pm.
The next round of internships will start in September 2026.
The one-year programme is aimed at young adults aged 18 to 24 with an education, health and care plan or special educational needs.
Interns are enrolled at York College and work at Aviva’s city centre offices, with support from United Response job coaches and tutors from York College.
Interns take part in mock interviews and volunteering to develop social and networking skills.
Roles have included IT, data insights, customer operations and pricing.
The open event at Wellington Row will give young people and their families a chance to find out about the programme, meet staff from City of York Council, United Response and York College, and look around the offices.
Holly Hudson, Aviva York supported internships lead, said: “We’re really excited to once again provide this opportunity for young adults in York to work at Aviva, in collaboration with our dedicated partners across the county.
“This initiative ensures we are connecting the strengths of our young people and our colleagues, to create talent pathways into the workplace that are accessible for everyone, so more young adults can develop the employment skills they need to get ready for their futures.”
Joy Kettyle, deputy principal and chief executive at York College, said: “Providing meaningful pathways to employment for young people with EHCP’s or SEND is one of the college’s key areas of focus.
“Being part of this great collective and all working together to deliver the Supported Internship has been one of the highlights of the year and is something we hope will continue for years to come.
“Our young people are not only learning transferable skills in the workplace, they are also building relationships and friendships with their workplace colleagues.”
Lauren Bartley, employment and supported internship manager at United Response, said: “It’s clear from the number of young people struggling to find opportunities in the workplace that there is a real need for employers to provide a positive route that focuses on real-world outcomes.
“It is crucial workplaces support a neurodiverse workforce to build skills and prospects, which is why I am delighted to continue our partnership supporting more young people into employment in York.”
