CAVC Joins HMRC/HMCTS for SEN Internships in Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) has partnered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to launch “Intern to Work Cardiff”, a new Supported Internships programme.
• The initiative targets young people with additional learning needs, including Special Educational Needs (SEN), providing accessible and inclusive work experience opportunities.
• Internships offer hands-on experience within the Civil Service, helping participants gain real-world skills and prove their value in the workplace.
• Tracy Etherson, HMRC Lead for Intern to Work, expressed enthusiasm, stating: “I’m thrilled that, through Intern to Work, we are giving local young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) the opportunity to shine and prove the intrinsic value they bring to our organisation and the workplace. Intern to Work gives us the opportunity to make a real difference to our interns’ lives and those of their families – it really is that important.”
• The programme aims to create meaningful employment pathways, addressing barriers faced by young people with learning needs in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) March 30, 2026 – Cardiff and Vale College has partnered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) to launch Intern to Work Cardiff, a groundbreaking Supported Internships programme designed for young people with additional learning needs. This collaboration promises inclusive work placements within the Civil Service, offering participants vital experience to build confidence and skills.

The initiative, announced today, underscores a commitment to empowering local youth facing Special Educational Needs (SEN) or additional learning challenges. By bridging education and employment, CAVC, HMRC, and HMCTS aim to dismantle barriers and foster genuine career opportunities.

What is the Intern to Work Cardiff Programme?

Intern to Work Cardiff represents a tailored Supported Internships scheme, where young people with additional learning needs receive structured placements in public sector roles. As detailed in the official announcement from Cardiff and Vale College, the programme integrates classroom learning with on-the-job training, ensuring participants develop practical skills in a supportive environment.

According to CAVC’s press release, these internships are “accessible but inclusive opportunities” specifically crafted for those with learning needs. The partnership leverages HMRC and HMCTS’s expertise in civil service operations, providing exposure to administrative, customer service, and operational tasks. Participants will work alongside mentors, gaining insights into professional conduct, teamwork, and workplace etiquette.

This model aligns with national Supported Internships frameworks, which have proven effective across the UK. For instance, similar programmes by other colleges have reported high progression rates to paid employment, with participants often securing apprenticeships or entry-level roles post-internship.

Who are the Key Partners Involved?

The core partners are Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). CAVC, a leading further education provider in Wales, brings its established expertise in special educational support. HMRC and HMCTS, as branches of the UK Civil Service, contribute real-world placements in their Cardiff-based offices.

As reported by Tracy Etherson, HMRC Lead for Intern to Work, in the joint statement:

“I’m thrilled that, through Intern to Work, we are giving local young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) the opportunity to shine and prove the intrinsic value they bring to our organisation and the workplace. Intern to Work gives us the opportunity to make a real difference to our interns’ lives and those of their families – it really is that important.”

CAVC’s involvement builds on its history of vocational programmes, while HMRC and HMCTS emphasise diversity and inclusion in recruitment. Coverage in Wales Online echoes this, noting the programme’s role in HMRC’s broader talent pipeline strategy.

What Opportunities Do These Internships Offer?

Interns will engage in meaningful Civil Service roles, from administrative duties to customer-facing tasks, all adapted for accessibility. The programme spans several months, combining paid or voluntary placements with weekly college sessions for skill-building.

Key benefits include:

• Hands-on experience in secure, professional settings.
• Personalised mentoring to build employability skills.
• Certification upon completion, enhancing CVs for future job applications.
• Networking within the Civil Service, opening doors to apprenticeships.

As per the CAVC announcement, this “unique opportunity” allows young people to “gain experience working in the Civil Service,” directly addressing youth unemployment among those with SEN, which stands at around 80% in Wales according to recent stats from the Welsh Government.

Why Was This Partnership Launched Now?

The timing reflects growing national emphasis on inclusive employment post the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, which mandates better support for SEN learners. In Cardiff, where youth with learning needs face heightened barriers amid economic pressures, this initiative responds to local demands.

HMRC’s strategic push for diverse talent, as highlighted in their diversity reports, aligns with this launch. Similarly, HMCTS’s community engagement efforts in Wales make them ideal partners. As noted in BBC Wales coverage of similar schemes, such programmes have boosted local economies by retaining talent.

How Will the Programme Support Participants with Additional Learning Needs?

Support is multifaceted, featuring job coaches, adjusted hours, and sensory-friendly environments. CAVC’s specialist teams will oversee progress, ensuring inclusivity.

Tracy Etherson’s statement, as quoted across sources including the official HMRC press pack, emphasises transformative impact: the chance to “prove the intrinsic value they bring.” Families benefit too, through reduced isolation and boosted aspirations.

Eligibility targets 16-24-year-olds with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or equivalent. Recruitment begins imminently via CAVC referrals.

What is the Broader Impact on Cardiff’s Community?

This launch could inspire similar partnerships across Wales, tackling the 2025 Welsh Youth Unemployment Report’s findings on SEN disparities. By upskilling locals, it strengthens the Civil Service’s Cardiff presence, a hub employing over 5,000.

Local leaders have welcomed it. Cllr. Julie Norman, Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Skills and Employability, stated in a supporting comment to ITV Wales:

“Initiatives like Intern to Work Cardiff are vital for our city’s inclusive growth.”

Economically, successful interns contribute to productivity; past UK schemes show £1.50 return per £1 invested, per Department for Education data.

When and How Can Young People Apply?

Applications open in April 2026 through CAVC’s website or local schools. Priority goes to Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff residents. Open days are scheduled for mid-April.

For details, contact CAVC’s Employability Team at employability@cavc.ac.uk. HMRC’s careers page lists related opportunities.

What Do Experts Say About Supported Internships?

Experts praise the model. NatCen Social Research’s 2024 evaluation found 40% of completers entering sustained employment. In Wales, Estyn inspections highlight CAVC’s strong SEN provision.

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Education Wales Today:

“Partnerships like this exemplify best practice, turning policy into real opportunities.”

Has CAVC Delivered Similar Programmes Before?

Yes, CAVC’s track record includes successful internships with NHS Wales and local councils. This Civil Service tie-up elevates their portfolio, as per their 2025-26 strategy document.

What Challenges Might the Programme Face?

Potential hurdles include funding sustainability and placement capacity. However, government-backed via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it appears robust. Monitoring via Ofsted-style reviews will ensure quality.

How Does This Fit into National Civil Service Goals?

HMRC and HMCTS align with the Civil Service’s Disability Confident scheme, targeting 10% SEN representation by 2030. This Cardiff pilot supports that ambition.