Hft works with DFN Project SEARCH, and various other partners to run several supported internships in a variety of locations. Hft’s role is as the Supported Employment provider.
If you become an intern on one of our programmes, our Employability Coaches will support you to learn new skills while you are on your work placements. After you graduate, Hft will continue to work with you for a further nine months to help you search and apply for a paid job, and will provide follow-on support when you find a paid job for as long as you need this.
DFN Project SEARCHOutcomes
For the 19-20 Academic Year, 69% of graduates from Hft’s DFN Project SEARCH Programmes found paid employment. Over 90% of graduates stay in their jobs for at least six months.
Our programmes
Each programme is run by a partnership, with a Supported Employment provider (Hft), an Education provider (a school or college), and a Host Business, as well as DFN Project SEARCH.
Hft currently works with programmes in:
- Preston, Lancashire
- Bradford, West Yorkshire (two programmes)
- Wakefield, West Yorkshire
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire
- South Ribble, Lancashire
- Liverpool, Merseyside (two programmes)
- Flintshire, Wales
- Caerphilly/Bridgend, Wales
How to become a Project SEARCH Intern
Eligibility criteria for Project SEARCH varies with each partnership. If you would like to find out about this in your area, including how to apply, please contact ProjectSearch.Admin@hft.org.uk
Follow-on support
What is Follow-on support?
If you are eligible for Follow-on support, you can expect to have a dedicated Hft Employability Coach and be able to attend a Job Club. Your Employability Coach will work with you to complete a Vocational Profile and your CV, and keep these up to date. They will help you to put together a plan to find paid employment, and they will support you to search for and apply for jobs, as well as prepare for and attend interviews. When you find a job, your Employability Coach can also provide support on the job to help you to get settled in, complete relevant training, and do your job to a high standard. This can include working with you and your employer to make reasonable adjustments to your role, and using adaptations.
How to get Follow-on support
If you are a recent graduate of one of Hft’s DFN Project SEARCH programmes and would like Follow On support, you are eligible for this for up to 9 months after graduation.
If you have not taken part in one of Hft’s DFN Project SEARCH programmes, but have a learning disability and/or autism spectrum condition, have a job and would like Follow On support, you may be eligible for this depending upon your location. Please contact us and we can discuss this further with you.
Follow On Employability Coach leaflet for people we support Hft Job Club leaflet for people we support
