Become a Get Set Progress Employer

Interested in Employing an Intern?

We are now accepting expressions of interest for the 2026/7 Get Set Progress internship programme. Register your expression of Interesthere.

What is the Get Set Progress internship programme?

Since 2015, the Get Set Progress (GSP) Internship Programme has connected forward‑thinking employers with talented blind and partially sighted people seeking meaningful employment. Through partnerships with organisations across the UK, we deliver 9‑month paid internships in a wide range of roles, reaching diverse communities nationwide.

The programme is made possible by committed partners across the corporate, public and third sectors who provide high‑quality opportunities for visually impaired candidates.

With only 1 in 4 visually impaired people of working age in employment, there is still much to be done. That’s why we are continually welcoming new employers to join Get Set Progress. Entry‑level roles can be adapted to suit the programme, and we work closely with employers throughout the process to ensure placements are successful and mutually beneficial.

We offer expert guidance from recruitment through to retention, supporting organisations to take confident, proactive steps towards a more inclusive workforce.

“It’s been brilliant working with the team at TPT, they have been patient and constructive throughout. It’s a fantastic scheme, we were blown away by the quality and experience of the candidates.” Chris Holton – Product Director, Zappar

How does Get Set Progress work? – The importance of host organisations

The Get Set Progress relies on consistent support from organisations across the UK to act as host organisations for interns to undertake a valuable role contributing to each of our partners in their own unique way. 80% of an intern’s time will be focused on supporting an organisation and gaining hands-on experience, with the remaining 20% spent with the GSP team to work on personal and professional development through our thorough learning and development programme to develop skills to compliment their role.

A step-by-step guide to Get Set Progress

  • Expressing interest and completing an application: Organisations can head to ourGrants Portalat any point to express an interest in the programme. The Get Set Progress team will then reach out to discuss the opportunity in more detail.
  • Defining the role: After applying to host an intern, the Get Set Progress team will work with employers to identify a suitable entry-level role that could either suit a business need or an opportunity to explore various organisational departments. From part-time to hybrid working, we will mould to your organisational needs.
  • Comprehensive support throughout: From visual awareness training to ensure your organisation is confident when onboarding an intern to 1-1 check-ins and support throughout the duration of the programme – the team is with you every step of the way.
  • Salary: We ask that all our partners pay intern salaries according to the Real Living Wage Foundation Rate wherever possible.

Recruitment A-Z support:

  • Advertising and promotion: Alongside your organisation, the GSP team will support your organisation with the promotion of a role through our networks and target talented candidates interested in joining the programme
  • Shortlisting: The team will also be on hand to ensure the right candidates are chosen for interview
  • Interview: The team will support all interviews directly to ensure organisations feel confident
  • Onboarding:  To ensure a smooth onboarding process the GSP team will be at your disposal 

100% of previous employers would recommend taking part in the programme to another employer

What are the key benefits for GSP employers?

  • Tap into unique talent: By participating in Get Set Progress, your organisation gains access to a pool of talented individuals with fresh ideas and unique perspectives, enriching your work environment and encouraging innovation.
  • Promote inclusivity: Hosting our interns demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and fairness in recruitment practices. Your engagement benefits all candidates with disabilities, creating a more accessible job market.
  • Funding: We can offer financial support towards a potential intern’s salary, ensuring that your organisation is enabled to join the programme.
  • Enhance awareness: Engage in sessions that increase awareness about vision challenges, fostering understanding and support among your team and improving accommodations for visually impaired employees..
  • Disability confident Employer Standard: Take practical steps towards achieving or advancing your organisation’s disability confident status.
  • Commercial opportunities: Embrace the Purple Pound, the spending power of disabled households in the UK, which is estimated at £446 billion a year. With an employee who has lived experience of a disability, customer reliability could be invaluable.

100% of our previous employers reported that TPT met all of their requirements while on the programme 

Get Set Progress Timelines

Employers can express interest all year round, but to formally take part in the programme, please review the timelines below to ensure the programme aligns with your business planning.

  • May

    Applications to join the Get Set Progress internship programme and host an intern close at the end of May every year. This is to ensure we have ample time to support the recruitment process for each role.

  • June - August

    This is our recruitment and advertisement window. Alongside your usual recruitment practices, our team will ensure that you reach the right talent for each unique role through expertise and collaboration with our partners.

  • October

    Get Set Progress 9-month placements will commence. We will formally welcome all our partners and talented interns onto the programme for the next nine months.

Past and Present GSP programme partners 

Liberty Insurance Group Logo channel 4 clear logo with bright green 4 logo NHS banner logo white on blue Moorfields Eye Charity Logo General Optical Council

Over the years, Get Set Progress has built strong partnerships across the private, public and third sectors to deliver high‑quality internship placements. The programme continues to evolve each round, with new partnerships enhancing the opportunities available to candidates. Below is an example of the types of organisations that have previously taken part in Get Set Progress.

A flavour of our diverse partnerships

  • Media and Creative industry: Channel 4, Leeds Playhouse, Extant Theatre Company
  • Finance and Insurance: Liberty Speciality Markets, Nicholson & Co Accountancy
  • Public Healthcare: NHS, General Optical Council, Moorfields Eye Charity
  • Not for Profit: Macular Society, Retina UK, Beacon Vision, Angel Eyes Northern Ireland, Sight For Surrey, DeafBlind UK
  • Technology: Dolphin Computer Access, Zappar, Bristol Braille Technology

”As an employer, the programme has been transformative for us. Now we have so much more confidence in our ability to offer employment and internship opportunities to blind or partially sighted colleagues.” Leonie Milliner – CEO, General Optical Council

Testimonials

Employers have found taking part in the Get Set Progress internship programme to be a transformative experience.





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