Please take a look at our programme pamphlet to learn about our Project SEARCH supported internship. You can also explore the subheadings below for information on the programme:
Programme information
Project SEARCH is a one-year supported internship programme committed to transforming the lives of young adults with SEND by equipping them with the experience, skills and support they need to enter the world of paid employment and begin exciting careers. Interns carry out work placements in various different professional environments, developing practical experience ‘on the job’ whilst attending academic lessons alongside. The programme is vital in ‘bridging the gap’ between education and employment for young people who may face barriers and challenges to starting their careers.
The programme was first developed in the USA and is now successfully replicated across the globe, with almost 200 of them in the UK. Our Project SEARCH programme was the second to establish itself in the UK (back in 2009), and it was initially run by Fosse Way School, one of our partners, before moving over to Finding Futures.
The programme gives interns the opportunities and support needed to become more confident, more independent, more resilient and more employable!
Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet only 5.1% of people in England with a learning disability who are known to local authorities go on to secure paid employment, compared to 80% of their peers. On average over the past three years, 83% of our graduates have successfully secured paid employment.
Project SEARCH helped me build lots of confidence and become more independent. I used to really struggle with my communication skills but now I speak to new people all the time in my busy job.
Kamil, Project SEARCH graduate, now working full-time as a Theatre Porter in the Royal United Hospital, Bath.
Programme structure
Interns spend the year working in various placements across the Royal United Hospital, the University of Bath and occasionally other employers, developing a wide variety of employability skills that prepare them for the world of paid work. The programme runs in line with the academic year, with intake being at the beginning of September.
Close support is provided by job coaches who can model tasks, support with social skills and team dynamics, and empower interns with the ability to develop their working independence and resilience. A curriculum is delivered alongside work, including maths, English and employability skills. Interns are also supported with CV development, completing job applications and interview practice.
Interns typically spend between 4 and 7 hours per week accessing academic sessions and between 20 and 25 hours per week in the workplace, supported by Job Coaching input.
The aim of the programme is that, upon graduation, interns will secure employment. In the last two months of the programme, dedicated job-hunting sessions are provided along with application form support, interview assistance and liaison with employers to request reasonable adjustments as/when required.
Work environments
Varied work environments are provided by partners who share our passion for inclusive employment opportunities.
The programme has been based at the RUH since 2009, and it provides an incredibly supportive workplace with a very wide variety of work placements for our interns. The University of Bath came on board in 2021, providing another fantastic organisation at which our interns can experience work in various exciting roles and environments. Our interns also occasionally access work placements across other, smaller employers.
The RUH and the university are employers at the forefront of inclusive recruitment and workplace practice. Completing different roles, tasks and working in different environments with different colleagues provides Project SEARCH interns with the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to find and secure paid employment by the end of the year.
Typically the programme spends 2/3rds of the year based at the RUH, and the remainder at the UoB. Placements change each term, allowing interns to learn and develop new skills as well as to experience different working environments, colleagues and team dynamics.
Work placement areas include but are not limited to:
Administration, Information Technology, Catering, Cleaning, Retail, Site Maintenance, Food service, Human Resources, Laboratory Assistance, Research & Development, Portering, Reception, Data Management, Childcare, Sports Centre Assistance and more.....
Project SEARCH allows individuals to achieve their best potential within a secure and positive environment; I highly recommend and am a proud supporter of the programme. Watching interns thrive, develop and move forwards in their career is so rewarding.
Erin - Member of staff at the RUH