DFN Project Search

DFN Project SEARCH is a supported internship programme for young adults with learning disabilities and / or autism.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to have been a Project SEARCH organisation since 2021 and offers young people with learning disabilities and/or autism-supported internships across different departments including pharmacy, catering, switchboard and estates. Supported internships are designed to provide an alternative path into the workforce.

Many people with learning disabilities and autism find the transition to the workplace difficult after leaving school. This initiative helps young people grow their confidence and secure meaningful, paid employment.

Each year, the Health Board takes on more young people onto the project. Placements with the Health Board involves working in 3 different areas of the organisation for 10-12 weeks at a time to gain a range of experiences in different areas.

The students begin and end their day with their college tutor in the classroom and spend the rest of their time out on their placement learning job-related skills whilst being supported by the placement manager and experienced job coach who are on-site at all times.

Young people who would like to participate in a placement in the Health Board will need to apply through their schools. If the young person is registered with Additional Learning Needs, they can apply for the project via their School for the following academic Year. They would need to inform their appropriate educational lead to express their interest with the Education Authority to apply for a place. This would be either Cardiff Council or Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is delighted to be a disability-friendly employer. Read more about the Health Board’s aims to achieve an inclusive workforce at shapingourfuturewellbeing.com

For more information on work experience and other opportunities for young people, please visit our page on work experience. For more information on DFN Project SEARCH, please visit their website.