Employment Programme
Employment and Internship Programme
A core part of our Employment Programme is the Employment and Internship Programme – a national initiative that supports disabled people into paid, project-based internships with organisations in the public, private and third sectors. Since 2014, the programme has helped more than 150 disabled people gain valuable work experience, develop skills, build confidence and progress careers in areas that matter to them.
Internships are meaningful, paid and supported placements. We help disabled people through the application process, offering advice on job applications, interview support and reasonable adjustments where needed. Once in placement, interns receive ongoing support, regular check-ins and tailored assistance to help them succeed and grow.
Supporting employers to be inclusive
We also support organisations to host disabled interns and build inclusive workplaces.
This includes practical guidance on inclusive recruitment, developing accessible job descriptions, running accessible interviews and thinking about workplace adjustments. Supported employers benefit from new perspectives, diverse talent and strengthened organisational practice – while contributing directly to closing the disability employment gap in Scotland.
The programme offers flexible options for organisations of all sizes, including fully funded internships, partially funded placements and government-backed opportunities – ensuring that fairness and inclusion in employment can be pursued regardless of sector or scale.
Why it matters
Through our Employment and Internship Programme, we are challenging the barriers that lock many disabled people out of fair work. By combining lived experience, practical support and systemic change, we are helping employers rethink inclusion and helping disabled people step into roles where they can use their talents, contribute fully and shape a more equitable Scotland for all.
Intern testimonials
“I have gained far greater knowledge on engaging with politicians, candidates, and political parties. I already had knowledge on how to do this but my work with FoES has helped me to refine the language I use to make it easier to engage. I also gained a wide range of skills for facilitating good meetings, organising and running events, and using simpler language to make things as easy to understand for all as possible. My confidence in building a team and speaking to a massive range of people has also benefited from the internship.”
Kyle - Friends of the Earth Scotland
“Doing this internship has given me the experience needed to show employers how I can put my skills and experience to good use. And it has even led me to being offered a permanent role within Social Security Scotland.
I’m really glad I discovered Inclusion Scotland. I think without them, I would still be struggling to find a job that was suitable for my skills. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has struggled with traditional job hunting and feel like there’s a lot of stigma when it comes to asking for reasonable adjustments and interview advice.”
Ross - Social Security Scotland
Employer testimonials
“The intern gave me the chance to reflect on how our workplace practices in a valuable way. I learned the importance of building in time for clear communication, structured feedback, and creating opportunities for interns to take ownership of meaningful tasks rather than small supporting jobs.”
Craig - Voluntary Action North Lanaskshire
“We’ve used the Inclusion Scotland scheme to recruit two team members, and the experience has been excellent. The process was simple and efficient, and the quality of candidates was outstanding. Both times, we were truly spoiled for choice, and the two people we hired have been incredible. Their skills and knowledge have exceeded all expectations. I only wish our budget allowed us to bring on everyone we interviewed! Throughout the entire process, Inclusion Scotland provided exceptional guidance and support, always keeping me informed about the next steps. I highly recommend using this scheme if you have the opportunity.”
Aileen - Social Security Scotland
Be our Internship host
Interested in hosting our next cohort? Complete the application form below, and we'll be in touch when hosting opportunities become available.
