About us
Doncaster's specialist supported internship provider.
We exist to prove that young people with EHCPs belong in real workplaces — with the right support around them.
Our story.
Aspirations Doncaster was founded to solve a specific problem: young people leaving education with EHCPs were falling out of the labour market, not because they couldn't work — but because nobody had built the bridge.
We built that bridge. A structured, year-long supported internship programme with real employer partners, on-site job coaches, and a clear route into paid employment.
Today we work with Amazon, ASDA, GXO and a growing network of regional employers. Our interns have appeared on ITV Yorkshire and hosted a visit from Sally Jameson MP.
The team.
Clair Dawson
Managing Director
Clair founded Aspirations Doncaster with a single focus — giving young people with EHCPs a genuine route into paid employment, not just another educational placement. She leads the organisation's strategy, employer relationships, and programme quality. Her determination to prove that every young person belongs in a real workplace drives everything we do.
Kimberley Patterson
Finance Director
Kim brings operational leadership and a deep commitment to getting the details right for every intern on programme. As Finance Director she oversees day-to-day delivery, ensuring each young person is properly matched, properly supported, and properly celebrated when they succeed.
Paula Murray
Operations Director
Paula's background in education and SEND support shapes how Aspirations Doncaster approaches every young person — with patience, expertise, and high expectations. As Operations Director she champions the needs of interns and their families throughout the programme, making sure no one is ever left without the right support.
Paul Patterson
Head of Employer Success
Paul leads Aspirations Doncaster's employer partnerships — building and maintaining the relationships with Amazon, ASDA, GXO, Compass Group and DSAT that make real placements possible. He works to grow the employer base so that more young people have more doors open to them.
Jake Bamford
Supported Internship Champion
Jake Bamford brings first-hand experience of completing a supported internship and understands the opportunities and challenges interns may face. Before joining Aspirations Doncaster, he attended Stone Hill, where he worked in the canteen and gained experience in customer-facing roles. A natural people person with a strong interest in social media, Jake helps welcome new interns and represents the programme at events with confidence and enthusiasm.
Jasmine Burns
Employability Instructor
Jasmine Burns is the Employability Instructor based at Amazon, helping interns develop the skills, confidence and workplace understanding they need to succeed. She supports each young person to connect their learning with real experiences on placement, preparing them for greater independence and future employment. Her encouraging and practical approach ensures interns feel supported while continuing to grow and challenge themselves.
Denise Gregory
Employability Instructor
Denise supports interns to develop the employability skills, confidence and workplace understanding they need to succeed. She helps each young person connect their classroom learning with their experiences on placement, preparing them for greater independence and paid employment. Her patient and encouraging approach ensures every intern feels supported while working towards their individual goals.
Mick Calvert
Job Coach
Mick brings a wealth of practical experience from careers in construction and the care sector. Based at GXO, he supports interns to settle into the workplace, learn their roles and build confidence and independence. His calm, hands-on approach and commitment to helping people overcome challenges ensure every intern receives the encouragement and practical support they need to succeed.
Nicol Schofield
Job Coach
Nicol brings 20 years of experience working with young people and supporting people to develop their confidence. As a Job Coach, she helps interns settle into the workplace, learn new tasks and become more independent. Her warm, positive approach helps young people feel comfortable, while her creativity and energy make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Ready when you are
Register your interest for the September 2026 cohort.
One short form. A real person will call you back within two working days.