Supported Internships: A powerful opportunity for tourism & hospitality employers
Tourism and hospitality businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire have a unique opportunity to strengthen their workforce while transforming young lives. Supported Internships are rapidly proving to be one of the most impactful ways to help young people with additional needs gain sustainable paid employment, while offering employers real business benefits.
Forward‑thinking businesses are embracing these structured, work‑based programmes to tap into a motivated pool of young talent. Interns spend most of their time in the workplace, developing valuable skills through hands‑on experience, job‑coach support funded through Access to Work, and tailored vocational profiling. Employers gain enthusiastic team members who learn their standards from day one, while colleges and training providers handle the support and guidance behind the scenes.
For the tourism and hospitality sector, known for fast‑paced environments, customer interaction and varied roles, Supported Internships bring clear advantages. They help businesses elevate their commitment to inclusion, enhance customer trust, and build a workforce that better reflects the diverse communities they serve. With no employment costs and no obligation to hire, the programme acts as an extended working interview, giving employers a low‑risk way to identify exceptional future staff.
By offering a placement and jobs, local businesses do more than fill skills gaps, they become recognised champions of inclusive employment. Supported Internships, delivered in partnership with Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, offer a powerful route to developing talent, boosting brand reputation, and contributing to a more inclusive regional economy.
Empowering businesses through inclusive employment
Unlock the benefits of a diverse, skilled and future‑ready workforce
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), in partnership with the Young People Skills and Employability Teams from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, is committed to helping businesses build stronger, more inclusive workplaces.
Whether you're looking to attract new talent, create fairer recruitment processes, or improve how you support young people and underrepresented groups in your organisation, we provide practical tools, expert guidance and trusted resources to help you get there.
Inclusive employment isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s good for business. Diverse teams drive innovation, creativity and resilience, helping your organisation grow in a competitive landscape.
Three ways to get involved:
• offer a supported internship placement
• host a workplace visit or taster session
• share any suitable job opportunities
If you’d like to explore offering a supported internship or want more information, please contactinfo@vhey.co.uk, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Supported internships information video
Supported Internships: Employers Guide
Practical tools to strengthen your workforce
Explore a curated set of resources designed specifically for employers across Hull and East Yorkshire.
The Buckland Report – Plus Easy Read Version
Insights into the systemic barriers preventing young people from progressing, along with opportunities employers can unlock by adapting recruitment, training and workplace practices
Neurodiversity in the Workplace: An Employer Guide
A clear, accessible resource helping businesses understand neurodiversity, make simple adjustments, and create environments where neurodiverse employees can thrive.
Speaking from Experience: Getting It Right for Disabled Apprentices
Real stories and practical advice to help employers support disabled apprentices effectively from onboarding to ongoing development.
Why Diversifying Your Workforce Is Good for Business
Hear directly from employers about the positive impact of inclusive hiring on productivity, retention, and organisational culture.
Writing an Inclusive Job Advert
Step‑by‑step guidance to help you create job descriptions that attract a broader, more diverse pool of talent.
Delivering Inclusive Interviews
Best‑practice advice on structuring interviews that give every candidate a fair and equal opportunity to shine.
Why use these tools?
- Boost your recruitment success
- Inclusive job adverts and interviews expand your talent pool and help you find the best person for the role.
- Improve staff retention
- Workplaces that embrace diversity and provide appropriate support see higher satisfaction and stronger long‑term commitment.
- Strengthen your reputation
- Businesses that champion inclusive practice are more attractive to customers, partners and future employees.
- Prepare for the future
- As the workforce evolves, understanding youth employment challenges and opportunities ensures your business stays agile and competitive.
Supporting you every step of the way
VHEY and our council partners are here to help businesses adopt inclusive practices confidently and effectively. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to enhance existing approaches, these tools give you the knowledge, insight and practical steps needed to succeed.
Together, we can create a more inclusive, skilled and resilient local workforce benefiting employers, young people and the wider Hull and East Yorkshire economy.
