Welcome to the 2025 Project SEARCH student intake

22 September 2025

The health board has recently welcomed a new intake of students through the Project SEARCH supported internship programme.

Project SEARCH is a unique pre-employment programme which helps young people with learning disabilities gain the knowledge and skills they need to get meaningful paid jobs. It is a transition to work programme for young people between 16 – 24 years of age, working in collaboration with both councils and local schools.

The seven young people will be working in a range of departments across the health board, gaining invaluable work experience. These departments include Cellular Pathology, Medical Records, Physiotherapy Outpatients, Maintenance, Ward Based Catering, Radiology, Patient Experience and Portering.

Previous Project SEARCH interns have gone on to secure apprenticeships, further work experience and full-time employment thanks to the skills, confidence and support they gained from the internship.

One of the new interns named Sam said: “I was nervous on my first day but excited for what is ahead of me this year. I am looking forward to starting placements and learning new skills which will help me in my future.”

Another intern called Luke said: “I am feeling excited to experience something different rather than being in school. I am looking forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds and experience working life.”

A warm welcome to the new Project SEARCH intake, we wish you all the best during your time at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Find out more about Project SEARCH here: DFN Project Search - https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/jobs/careers-in-the-nhs/dfn-project-search/