How Project SEARCH is helping Sam build his future

23rd March 2026

Sam joined Project SEARCH to build up his employability skills, to help him secure future employment. The project has not only helped to develop his skills and given him opportunities to learn, but it has also had a great impact on the Health Board colleagues he has supported.

The Project SEARCH programme offers supported internships to young people aged 16 – 19 with autism and/or learning disabilities. Interns have the opportunity to complete placements in different Health Board departments over the course of the programme, which equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills they need to get meaningful paid jobs. 

The programme works in partnership with Cardiff City Council, Cardiff Commitment and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and gives the young people a chance to try out different roles and meet new people with the appropriate support in place. 

To mark Supported Internship Day, hear from 18-year-old Sam, who joined the project back in September.

Sam’s first placement was in the Nephrology and Transplant department at the University Hospital of Wales, helping to prepare and store files and greet patients in the clinic. He was responsible for pulling files and preparing them for healthcare colleagues, as well as putting details into the confidentiality bin.

“I enjoyed everything about my placement, but I enjoyed greeting patients the most” Sam said.

“What made me proud and happy was knowing I was doing well and working hard in my role” he says.

The programme has not only been great for Sam, but it’s also been a hugely rewarding experience for the teams he has worked with.

“It was a pleasure and a huge help having Sam work with us in Nephrology and Transplant” said Rachel Long, Directorate Manager of the department. “Sam was reliable and had diligent approach to his work during his placement with us. He took a positive approach to learning new skills and was a welcome friendly face for patients when they arrived at our clinic.

“For myself and my colleagues, supporting Sam and the Project SEARCH team has been a really rewarding experience.”

Reflecting on his experience, Sam said “I like that being a part of Project SEARCH gives you different opportunities to try out and staff treat me as a grown-up adult.”

Sam has now settled into his second placement in the Central Production Unit. So far, he is enjoying the physical aspect of his role and working as part of a team with his colleagues.

The Health Board is a proud Project SEARCH organisation and is supportive of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.

Health Board colleagues and the Project SEARCH team are looking forward to watching Sam learn new skills and develop his confidence as he progresses through the project.

For more information on DFN Project SEARCH, please visit: Home | DFN Project SEARCH.