DFN Project SEARCH

The DFN Project SEARCH is an internationally recognised work-led, one year Supported Internship programme for young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism, which actively prepares them for the world of work and supports their transition into full time, paid employment.

This evidence-based programme combines classroom instruction and hands-on skills training in the workplace. We typically increase a young person’s employability from 4.8% to 60%. The programme has the aim to support 10,000 interns into work by 2030, and 20,000 by 2035.

The London Borough of Hounslow has over the years been proudly involved with a number of well-established local employers including the GSK site in Brentford, Marriott Hotel in Twickenham Stadium and more recently Thorpe Park; to be the host businesses where interns are based during their supported internship. The council has itself been a host business for nearly 10 years. Commissioned by the London Borough of Hounslow, coached by Kaleidoscope and tutored by West Thames College, interns are based at the host business full time and are mentored in a structured way.

Eligibility criteria

• Are aged 17-24

• Have an open Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• Be an independent traveller or willing to undertake travel training before the programme starts

• Be committed to attend 1 academic year, 5 days a week between 9am - 4pm approximately everyday 

• Are in their last year of education and want to progress into full-time paid employment by the end of the programme.

Current openings

We are currently recruiting for September 2024 intake. Attend an open day to learn more, meet the current interns and staff on the programme and tour the business you could be based at.
 

Next open day: We will shortly be having open days at all our sites. Click here to sign up to attend.

We will be in touch closer to the date to provide more information and to make any requested adjustments.

What we offer

• Well-rounded support package for interns
• Develop employability related skills and quality standards in a real-life work setting
• A City and Guilds Employability Skills qualification, including sessions to improve Maths and English
• Hands on support to develop competitive, transferable and marketable job skills relevant to getting a full-time paid job at the end of the programme and sustaining in the future.

How to apply

Applications can be made using our online form.

If you require another format please contact us.

Contact details

Email address: projectsearch@hounslow.gov.uk
UK telephone number: 07989 348 958 or 07837 585 735