DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year transition to work programme for young adults aged 18-24 years with an active Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) partner with Chesterfield Royal Hospital (CRH), and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) to provide a supported internship to help young people take positive steps into the world of work. The aim of the programme is to progress into paid employment.
To learn more about the programme at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and meet some graduates, please view the following video:
Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment. We don’t think this is right and neither do the people we support and work alongside.
The programme might be right for you if:
- you are aged 18 to 24-years-old
- have a current Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP)
- you feel ready to commit to a fulltime Monday to Friday programme
- you want to secure paid employment for at least 16 hours per week after the programme ends
- you are able to travel to the site
- you are ready to commit from September until July
What support is available?
Interns are supported on-site by a job coach and tutor, who are based in the hospital all the time. Their role is to foster independence and confidence, enabling the interns to learn their tasks and to complete them to the same standard as everyone else. Interns will work directly with mentors in their working areas.
What does a typical day look like?
- 9am to 10am - Classroom Employability Session
Topics such as self-advocacy, workplace expectations and personal development.
- 10am to 3pm - Work Placement (3 different placements during the programme)
- 3pm to 4pm - Classroom End of Day Reflection
Discuss what has gone well today, and what goals can be set for the next day.
Contact Details
To book a visit or for more information, please complete the following form:
Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES) - I am interested in starting a supported internship
Or contact us via:
Email: SupportedInternships@derbyshire.gov.uk
or Telephone: 01629 532893