Lighthouse Futures Trust is an innovative, specialist post-16 college and charity based in Leeds, supporting neurodivergent young adults aged 16 to 25. The Trust works with learners who have learning disabilities, autism, and social, emotional or mental health needs. We have a clear mission to help young people develop the skills, confidence and the independence needed to progress into sustainable paid employment.

The Trust delivers bespoke employability pathways.

Pre-Internship Programme
Our Pre-Internship Programme runs for one or two years and follows the Leeds City Council academic year. This college-based programme is designed for students ages 16 to 18 with an EHCP and for those not ready for the workplace. It is designed to help interns grow in confidence, explore their strengths and take real steps towards the world of work.

Supported Internship Programme
Our Supported Internships are a work-based programme for young adults aged 18 to 25 with an EHCP, who may also need extra support and workplace adjustments to build independence. Interns spend 3 to 4 days a week at a work placement with a local employer with ongoing support from skilled job coaches. Interns also complete employability and enterprise training at college.  

We offer a wide range of roles including hospitality, horticulture, retail, healthcare and much more.

Branching Out Internship Programme

Not all internships happen in offices and not everyone wants to work indoors. Branching Out offers supported internships in a range of outdoor and hands-on environments from the countryside to construction.

Our Branching Out job coaches are specially trained to lead and support interns, and we work with well-known employers across Leeds such as CITU, Denton Reserve, RasRoots and Crag House Farm.

Alongside these pathways, students can work towards Maths, English and occupational qualifications, while gaining real-world industry experience with well-known employers including NHS, John Lewis, HMRC, Arla Foods and KPMG.

Lighthouse Futures Trust also leads the Leeds Inclusive Employers Network (LIEN), bringing together more than 350 employers to champion inclusive recruitment and workplace practices across the city.

The college is based at Carlton House, Alma Road, Headingley, Leeds, and offers modern facilities for approximately 90 students. Programmes are designed to emphasise workplace readiness, independence and essential life skills.

In its most recent inspection, Ofsted rated Lighthouse Futures Trust “Good with Outstanding Features.”

Working at Lighthouse Futures Trust is fast-paced but deeply rewarding, offering staff the opportunity to make a lasting difference by helping young people build positive, independent futures.