DFN Project SEARCH is a supported internship programme for young people with a diagnosed learning disability and/ or those on the autistic spectrum between the ages 17-25. It is a unique, business-led, one-year education to work programme that takes place entirely in the workplace.
It is a partnership between a host employer, Phoenix College, Kaleidoscope Supported Employment Agency and the local authority.
The programme offers total workplace immersion, facilitating a seamless combination of employability skills, career exploration and hands-on training through a series of job rotations within the host business.
Supported Internships is a young person’s final year of education and they will be expected to transition into employment or an apprenticeship following the conclusion of the course.
Our programme runs 9am–3.30pm five days a week, for a full academic year. Typically, interns complete three work placements between 10–12 weeks in length, each rotation coinciding with school terms. Interns are expected to travel independently to the workplace where possible and required to follow the host business training guidelines.
Our Sites
Phoenix College is proud to have 3 very different Project SEARCH sites in Tower Hamlets and the City of London, that offer a variety of opportunities to our students.
Queen Mary University of London in Mile End has been hosting Project SEARCH interns since September 2019 and has helped over 30 young people develop their employability skills and progress on to paid employment.
ISS in Liverpool street is a facilities management company that opened its doors to Project SEARCH interns in September 2023. Offering a variety of hands on roles for interns, it’s the perfect setting for interns to develop their skills in a corporate environment.
Clyde and Co, a law firm in Aldgate, is the newest of our sites, whose first Project SEARCH cohort started in September 2024. Another corporate setting that boasts opportunities for interns who are keen to experience what goes on in the background of one of the country’s most successful law firms.
Typical Day
Interns arrive to the Baseroom, situated within the host business, at 9am every day. Between 9am-10am, the tutor delivers the employability curriculum which consists of modules such as CV Writing, Money Management, Dealing with Problems at Work and Applying for Jobs. The qualification is intern focused and they will study the appropriate level specific to their needs. This is to supplement their learning within rotations.
At 10am, all interns transition to their work placement where they spend the majority of the day. Job Coaches will conduct visits to all interns throughout the day to assist with their learning and support department managers and mentors where required.
At 3pm, interns return to the baseroom to take part in a Reflection session to discuss their day and plan ahead for the future.
The Team
Each site has a dedicated onsite team who are there 5 days per week to support the interns. This consists of 1 tutor and at least 1 job coach.
Matt Snow – Supported Internship Manager (matthew.snow@phoenixcollege.london)
Cigdem Yilmaz – Projects Manager & Follow-On (Cigdem.yilmaz@phoenixcollege.london)
Mubidi Munye – QMUL Tutor (Mubidi.munye@phoenixcollege.london)
Tahsin Ashraf – ISS Tutor (Tahsin.ashraf@phoenixcollege.london)
Jade Jarrett – Clyde & Co Tutor (jade.jarrett@phoenixcollege.london)