DFN Project Search Supported Interns at Hillingdon Council
We’re incredibly proud of Rohan, one of our Supported Interns working at Hillingdon Council, who recently wrote and shared a newsletter reflecting on his experiences over the last term.
Rohan planned, wrote and shaped the content himself, sharing what he’s learned, the teams he’s worked with and the confidence he’s gained through his DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship. That ability to reflect, communicate clearly and take ownership of work is exactly what meaningful employment preparation looks like.
In his newsletter, Rohan talks about:
- Completing his first rotation in the Brokerage team
- Developing workplace skills such as organisation, communication and attention to detail
- Taking part in real council activity, including events like Black History Month, the Autism Fayre and Parent Carers Information events
- Visiting external employers such as Medequip to understand how services support people across the community
You can see from his writing how much his confidence has grown – not just in the tasks he’s completing, but in how he talks about his role, his team and his contribution.
About Project SEARCH at Hillingdon
Project SEARCH is a Supported Internship programme for young people with SEND who want to move into paid employment. Interns complete three structured, 10-week workplace rotations within a host employer, supported by job coaches and tutors.
At Hillingdon, the programme is delivered in partnership with Orchard Hill College, Hillingdon Council and local support services. Interns work across real departments – from HR and IT to libraries, repairs and brokerage – gaining practical experience that employers actually value.
This is not just work experience, but adding value such as:
- Building independence
- Developing transferable skills
- Understanding workplace culture
- Preparing young people for sustainable, paid employment
Interested in Supported Internships?
We currently offer Supported Internship opportunities through:
- Project SEARCH at Hillingdon Council
- Project SEARCH at The Hillingdon Hospitals
- WorkStart pathways for young people preparing for employment
If you’re a young person, parent/carer or employer who wants to understand how Supported Internships can open doors to real jobs, these programmes are a strong place to start.
Well done, Rohan. Writing that newsletter took confidence, reflection and professionalism. You’ve given people a genuine insight into what Supported Internships can achieve and tell their own story.
