Project SEARCH (Barnstaple)

Interns evaluate their performance towards their goal every day whilst in placement. At the end of each week, the employer gives detailed feedback on a wide range of on-the-job assessment criteria. Employment planning meetings are held twice a term to track progress towards employment as well as key independence criteria.

Work towards a City and Guilds qualification in Employability Skills Level 1 is assessed by the Project SEARCH instructor.

Functional Skills or GCSE will be assessed when appropriate.

For all learners joining Entry Level Study Programmes, there are no formal entry requirements, however you will have a one-to-one interview to discuss your personal learning needs. You will also be required to study English and Maths at an appropriate level to suit your ability.

Most students gain employment either after finishing the program or during the program. If you do not gain employment, you will usually be referred to Job Centre plus or Careers Hub where you will continue to receive support in order to gain employment through a wide range of business contacts in the community.

Project SEARCH has a dedicated training room onsite at North Devon District Hospital. Two full-time Project SEARCH staff are on hand to support learning and skills development. Project SEARCH also utilises a wide variety of placements within the hospital in order to train interns on how to be effective employees.

• What is DFN Project SEARCH?

It’s a full-time, year-long internship program that takes place entirely within a real workplace, not a college. The goal is to help you learn job skills and find a paid job by the end of the programme.

• Who is in charge?

You will have a college tutor and a job coach right there with you at the business site every day. They are there to help you learn your tasks, solve problems, and get ready for work.

• Do I get a qualification?

Yes, as part of the programme, you will work towards relevant qualifications, such as units in employability skills. You will receive information on specific qualifications from your local college provider.

• How many days a week do I go?

The programme is five days a week, just like a regular full-time job.

• Is it during term time or all year?

It follows an academic year schedule, typically from September to July and you will get all the half terms off as holiday.

Work and Placements

• Will I be doing real work?

Yes! You will have three different work experiences (called “rotations”) throughout the year. You’ll work alongside other employees of the business and do real, productive tasks.

• What kind of jobs might I try?

The types of jobs depend on the host business. Common examples include working in administration, catering, cleaning, stock room management or maintenance and some can be based in clinical areas. You’ll get to try three different roles.

• Can I choose what jobs I do?

You can express your preferences, but placements are usually chosen to match your skills and interests with the available roles within the host business. The aim is to help you gain new skills that you can use in future jobs.

Pay and Benefits

• Will I get paid?

No, the programme is an educational course, not a paid job. The goal is to help you secure a paid job after you finish the internship.

• Does this affect my benefits?

This is an important question. Since the programme is a course of study, it shouldn’t usually affect your benefits, but you should check with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) or your local benefits advisor to be sure about your specific situation.

After the Programme

• Will I definitely get a job at the end?

A job isn’t guaranteed, but the programme has a strong success rate. Your job coach will work with you during the last term to help you search for jobs, write a CV, practice interviews, and apply for roles.

• What happens after the programme finishes in July?

Your support won’t stop right away. The job coach will refer you to job centre plus and the careers hub. The job coach will provide “fade-out” support.

How to Join

• How do I apply?

The application process is handled through the local college click on following link https://www.petroc.ac.uk/courses/detail/project-search-barnstaple/

• What do I need to join?

You generally need to be a young adult with a learning disability and/or autism, usually with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Most importantly, you need to have a strong desire to work in a full-time, paid job after the programme finishes.

Every full-time student at Petroc will have their own Study Programme which will include:

– Your academic or vocational qualification.

– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.

– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.

– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.

– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.

– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.