18-year-old Charlie Wilson has joined Edge Hill University as a graphic designer within the Faculty of Education, marking a milestone as the University’s first supported internship placement.
Supported Internships are structured, work-based study programmes designed specifically for young people aged 16–24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This Government-funded initiative provides substantial, hands-on work experience, supported by expert job coaches to help interns bridge the gap into sustained, paid employment.
Since joining the University in September, Charlie has become an integral part of the team, supporting the department through poster design, event planning, and social media content creation.
Charlie said of his time so far: “I’m really liking my time at Edge Hill. I used to come here when I was little to visit my nan who worked here, so it’s nice to be back working with everyone. The staff are so kind, and they’ve made me feel really welcomed and part of the team.
“I love the creative side of things, such as making artwork, taking photos and putting presentations together. Being here has made me feel more confident. It’s helped me figure out what I want to do after school, I’d love to start my own business one day.”
Charlie spends three days a week at the Ormskirk campus with his job coach, Thomas Yenson, and spends the rest of his week at Sandfield Park School focusing on his Maths and English.
Based in Catalyst, the University’s award-winning library and student hub, where Charlie utilises industry-standard technology for his graphic design projects in a fully accessible, modern environment.
To mark UK Disability History Month, Charlie collaborated with fellow Edge Hill students to plan and host a celebratory event and an inclusive disco.
The event celebrated the lives of young disabled people and featured presentations from Sandfield Park students sharing their personal supported internship journeys. The day also included a variety of inclusive activities, all led and facilitated by Edge Hill students and staff.
The celebration showcased Charlie’s graphic design skills, as he produced all promotional materials and presentations for the day. He continued: “It’s important to celebrate and highlight what young disabled people are doing and capable of doing,”
The successful event brought together 25 attendees at the Arts Centre before moving to the Students’ Union for an inclusive disco.
This milestone for the University was made possible by Dr Marie Caslin, Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education, whose passion for inclusive education and careers has been vital in launching this supported internship at Edge Hill.
Dr Caslin said: “Research highlights the numerous barriers that are encountered by young disabled people as they transition from school. I feel we have a social responsibility to ensure we have a more inclusive society and ensuring young disabled people have access to the world of work is vital.
“During my research I’ve had the opportunity to work with young disabled people and I feel it is essential that we are led by their voices, all young people have the potential to thrive in the workplace we just need to ensure appropriate support is in place and I am absolutely delighted that everyone at Edge Hill has been so supportive of Charlie.
“We’ve been working with Sarah Spoor, Careers Leader and Inclusion Mentor at Sandfield Park School for a few years, so when the opportunity came for a student to join us, we knew they would be the first school.
“We love having Charlie in the department, he brings so much knowledge and expertise, he is hardworking, reliable and simply a joy to work with. The Secondary and Further Education (SFE) department has really embraced him, and it has been lovely to see all the opportunities that are coming Charlie’s way.”
Dr Marie Caslin has published extensively on the transitions and career paths of young people with disabilities, with research including Comedy, Young Disabled People in Transitions and Careers and Young Disabled People’s Voices. She remains a passionate advocate for workplace inclusivity, highlighting the transformative power of supported internships in providing vital, hands-on experience.
Looking ahead, Charlie is eager to continue developing his graphic design portfolio.
Reflecting on the importance of the programme, he said: “Every organisation should offer supported internships. It gives disabled young people the chance to see exactly what they are capable of doing.”
Find out more about studying Education and Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion at Edge Hill University.
December 18, 2025
