Our DFN Project SEARCH supported internship programme offers fantastic opportunities for businesses.
Become a host business
A host business is an employer that provides work experience placements and a base room for interns.
Interns are onsite five days a week from September to June.
We have had successful relationships with many local employers. Currently we have three host businesses for interns to apply to, but we are always open to expanding the offer.
Offer work rotations
Each term our interns complete a ten to 12-week work rotation with the host business. The employer, managers and mentors involved in the departmental rotations are trained and supported throughout.
Working with Kaleidescope, interns are evaluated to ensure that their skills and interests match the rotations. A job coach, alongside the manager or mentor, supports the intern to become immersed within the workplace. Their goal is to achieve the specific transferable work skills necessary for progression into paid employment.
Offering our interns a work rotation at your business is a great way to further develop their skills and confidence. This has proven particularly successful during our interns' final work rotations (between April and June) as they prepare to transition to paid employment.
Contact us about becoming a host business
Provide training and mentoring
You may be able to provide specific training or additional support or guidance for our interns, for example providing mock interviews or focussed workshops.
Or perhaps you are willing to come and talk to our interns about what employers are looking for in good employees.
If so, please contact us.
Recruit for a job or apprenticeship
Our graduates' success is their readiness to be in a workplace. The employability skills they develop allow them to be an asset to a business.
Employers recruiting our interns receive support from our Employment Support Service, provided by Kaleidoscope.
You could also benefit by being a London Living Wage employer.
To offer our young people with SEND paid employment opportunities please contact us.
Open your doors for 'Meet the Employer' events
Our Meet the Employer events raise awareness of different sectors and job roles to young people with SEND in a safe and supported way.
As a local employer, your participation in these events can help prepare our young people for adulthood. You will be guided by us and can help our young people build transferable work-related skills like confidence, teamwork, presentation and communication skills.
To take part or find out when our next events are taking place, please contact us.
Inclusive employment forum
Join this business-led network designed to offer young people with SEND better access to skills and employment opportunities.
As a valued local employer, you can:
- work collaboratively to build accessible opportunities
- be part of a supportive environment
- share best practice
- celebrate the benefits of hiring young people with SEND
Contact
- email: projectsearch@hounslow.gov.uk
- phone: 07837 585735 (Aman) or 07989 348958 (Nicky)
