We’re proud to support career development through our huge range of Entry to Work pathways, we’ve been awarded on several occasions for our initiatives and work in the field.

You’ll hear stories from some of our autism interns below, who have each found their own place within Essex County Council’s wide range of opportunities.

Click on the portraits below to find out more about our interns and their journeys with us:

Apply for an autism internship with Essex County Council this June 2024!

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Sasha Larkin

Autism Intern – Business Support Team

Click on each question below to hear what Sasha has to say:

• What attracted you to an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I’d never worked in the public sector before, to work for a council has always attracted me, to find a that my local council were offering a programme specially for autistic people was a complete breath of fresh air and very exciting! Serious and future career based was what I wanted.

  I didn’t know much about internships and never fully understood the meaning or point in them. I felt comfortable to enquire and find out more it, and it was then that I could see why so many people do go for internships, and it was something I wanted to do for sure.

• What did your average day look like on an internship?

  Meeting lots of different people, lots of training, lots of chances to ask as many questions as I wanted and needed. I did have the option to work from home, but I came into the office just because I found I could make better relationships that way with the teams, and ECC was very accommodating to make sure I had a regular space daily.

  I sat in the team meetings straightaway and eventually I got the hang of what was going on, I was made to feel part of the team from day one.

  There was always some sort of new task to look at and learn while doing all my on-board training.

  I felt as though everyone already knew me, they were so nice and approachable.

• What’s been your biggest achievement during your internship?

  I believe that my confidence is my biggest achievement and the belief i now have in myself and in my abilities to learn something new, daily.

• Where has your internship taken you?

  After my internship I applied for an Accessible Apprenticeship in another team within Business Support at ECC and was successful! I am now working and studying. I hope my internship with ECC is recognised by future employers, and I’m hoping that this, as well as the apprenticeship leads to a long-term career within the same area.

• What advice would you give to someone considering an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I would tell anyone who is thinking about going for an autism internship placement with ECC, that you should jump at the chance, any adjustments needed will be met with open arms and I believe it’s about the place and support your around that helps you to become greater and find your strengths, and ECC is that place!

  I would tell them that they have an amazing opportunity to be able to apply and any questions or worries that have about this will definitely be answered by kind, knowledgeable ECC staff.

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Our Autism Internships go live in June 2024 – Check back for some incredible opportunities!

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James Lodge

Autism Intern – Policy Team

Click on each question below to hear from James:

• What attracted you to an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I previously worked in the public sector as a summer intern at East Suffolk Council in Lowestoft, in the Customer Experience department. I was looking for a policy role when I saw this role come up on google when I typed in ‘Policy Internships September 2023.’ I was very fortunate to find the role and applied for it straightaway, I knew that I could be an important asset, and so far, I feel delighted and happy to make a big difference.

  ECC’s internship attracted me for these reasons: One, it was a policy role which excited me greatly as I have wanted to work in the area of policy in local government for a couple of years, two, I knew ECC had a good reputation and had previous autism interns who enjoyed their time there. Lastly, I felt I could have a strong support network, which happened instantaneously.

  I am so grateful to have had the chance to develop my skills and knowledge, as well as making new friends.

• What does your average day look like on an internship?

  I am working from home most of the time, being in the office 3-4 times a month is a good balance. Due to living in Norwich, office days can be long days, but it is worth it to see my colleagues and to be in the office environment. I have been working in the Cabinet Office since January 2024 (I work under two portfolios in Waste and Highways) on tasks that are routine such as, checking emails, writing my learning journal, which is my journey so far within ECC, and attending meetings; catching up with Cabinet Office advisors and assistants, and attending strategy team meetings as well.

  I ensure time away from the screen by having my lunch away from my desk, getting a walk to stretch my legs, reading a book, and speaking with colleagues if I’m in the office.

• What’s been your biggest achievement during your Internship?

  My biggest achievement so far in my internship is that I have made so many friends within the Levelling Up, Strategy and Cabinet Office. Being out of work was very difficult and hard to digest.

  I have felt supported, understood, and cared about greatly. It is so genuine and heartfelt to be accepted into a work environment where I am able to ask questions to learn more about each department, who is involved in the projects and how I could be involved. It produces a sense of achievement that is satisfying and amazing. It is beyond words for me.

• Where do you hope your internship will take you?

  I hope after the internship finishes, that I am able to stay on at Essex County Council and continue to show that I will be an important asset. I want to continue to work in the area of policy within local government. The end goal is work in sport policy working in the area of equality, diversity, and inclusion. People who have SEND and LD deserve the chance to learn, develop and flourish.

  I’ve had enough of not seeing that, we should not be the minority but accepted in society as equals. The programme is a great platform to support individuals gain confidence and build skills as well being the benchmark for other local government authorities to follow.

• What advice would you give to someone considering an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I would say, to be yourself, honest and open. Being on the autism spectrum is different to each individual, and we need to celebrate that. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, work on array of tasks/projects, and demonstrate the qualities you possess. Be curious to learn and gain skills, experiences, and memories.

Jack Mitchell

Autism Intern – Employability and Skills Team

Click on each question below to hear what Jack has to say:

• What attracted you to an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I was trying very hard to find an opportunity, as a graduate, but was struggling to find something. I kept on getting knockbacks, but I persevered. I decided to change my approach and look for opportunities that were specifically for autistic individuals.

  That’s when I happened upon the ECC Autism Internship. I jumped at the chance to apply because it seemed like a very robust internship. It suited me very well because it was a great stepping stone in terms of career development, and the mentorship element appealed to me.

• What did your average day look like on an internship?

  I mainly work from home but go to Chelmsford once a month for team meetings. I work on various projects in a project support capacity. Some of my tasks have included writing, data inputting, content creating, conducting studies and much more. I felt part of the team, and all my colleagues are so kind and supportive.

• What’s been your biggest achievement during your internship?

  I’m proud of everything that I have done as part of my internship. I’ve learned many new skills. I’ve also improved my networking abilities, and my time management has improved.

• Where has your internship taken you?

  I’ve been applying for internal vacancies and hope to use the skills and experience gained, as part of my internship, to secure a job with ECC. I don’t want to remain stagnant. I hope to have continual career progression, using the Autism Internship as a springboard.

• What advice would you give to someone considering an Autism Internship within ECC?

  I would say “go for it”. It is such a great opportunity. I’d recommend researching interview tips.

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Interested? This amazing opportunity returns in June 2024, check back then to discover your career journey.

Want to find out about our other Entry to Work pathways? Return to the dedicated page.