On the road to employment with a supported internship

March 11, 2024

There’s still time to apply for DFN Project SEARCH!

Project Search is a transition to work programme for young people with learning disabilities and autism. The next one-year programme will start after the summer, with applications open until midday on Wednesday 20 March 2024.

The supported internship acts as a stepping stone to employment. Interns will learn transferable skills, undertake work experience and grow their confidence.

Project SEARCH is an international initiative that has helped over 2,200 interns find employment to date. North East Scotland College (NESCol) and the University of Aberdeen are key partners for the local programme, which has 12 available spaces.

Interns work towards a City & Guilds qualification, a course that teaches employability skills and independence. They also complete three work placements in a variety of departments at the University of Aberdeen and further afield.

Only 4.1% of people in Scotland with a learning disability, who are known to local authorities, go on to secure paid employment. At the end of the programme, on average 70% of Project SEARCH graduates secure a job and 60% transition to full-time, permanent roles.

How to Apply

The North East Project SEARCH is aimed at young people aged 16-24 with a learning disability and/ or autism from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Applications can be made through the University of Aberdeen.

Find out more

To find out more information, please contact Andrew Thomson, DFN Project SEARCH Lecturer, on 07786 336761 or email dfnprojectsearch@nescol.ac.uk

The Project SEARCH team will also be at our Aberdeen City Campus Open Day on Saturday 16 March. Register for the Open Day.