We’re thrilled to announce that Bridge College, our specialist college based in Openshaw, has won the ‘Supported Employment Provider of the Year’ award at the DFN Project Search HQ Awards 2026 – recognising its collaboration with much-beloved family theme park Gulliver’s World!
Now in its second year, Bridge College’s supported internship programme provides hands-on experience for young people aged 16–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), offering an exciting pathway into the world of work.
Interns have been busy gaining practical skills at Gulliver’s World in areas including retail and stores, park care, catering, hotel services, rides, and general upkeep – helping prepare them for future paid employment.
The award was presented by charity DFN Project SEARCH at their annual conference, where organisations from across the UK gather to celebrate and encourage inclusive employment.
The ‘Supported Employment Provider of the Year’ award recognises providers who have excelled in advocating for the importance of employer engagement and have built bridges between businesses and supporting organisations.
In late 2023/early 2024, the proportion of working-age adults with a learning disability in the UK in paid employment was just 5%, a figure that has been steadily falling over the last decade. This figure is a dramatic drop from the 76% employment rate for the general working population, with disabled people across the country struggling to secure accessible and supportive work.
Supported internships, like the one offered at Gulliver’s World, are pivotal for young disabled and neurodivergent people wanting to enter the world of work.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this award, which belongs to the interns, staff, and partners who have made our Supported Internship Programme such a success,” says Adam Proctor, Assistant Principal at Bridge College.
“In less than two years, we are already seeing interns move into full-time employment, taking meaningful steps toward happy, independent, and fulfilling futures.
“A heartfelt thank you to all our past and present business partners, with special appreciation to Gulliver’s World and their fantastic team for welcoming us so warmly and making our interns feel like valued members of their workplace.
“We look forward to the years ahead as we continue to change lives and support more young people into the world of employment.”
What an incredible honour! This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.”
Jemma Golden, Supported Internship Lead
“We’re committed to continuing this journey, creating opportunities, and making a real impact, adds Jemma. “Huge thanks to our amazing team, partners, and the incredible individuals we support!”
Places are still available to join next year’s cohort. For young people interested in taking part in next year’s award-winning programme, a Supported Internship Recruitment Day will take place on Thursday 14 May, from 10:00am to 12:30pm at the Gulliver’s World Hotel Marquee, Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington.
If you have an EHCP, are aged 18-25 and want to enter the world of work, join us for the opportunity to learn more about the Supported Internship programme!
Hear more from this year’s cohort here:
