DFN Project SEARCH at St George's
DFN Project SEARCH offers young people with learning disabilities and/or autism the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in real work situations through work placements within St George’s Hospital. DFN Project SEARCH is an international transition to work programme committed to transforming the lives of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
DFN Project SEARCH prepares young people aged 18-24 for the world of employment. The DFN Project SEARCH programme offers young people with learning disabilities and/or autism the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in real work situations through work placements within the hospital.
The programme runs for one academic year and follows the school terms (September to July). Interns attend full time Monday – Friday. Interns will complete three job rotations around St George's Hospital including admin, reception, gardening, portering, retail and many other placements. Interns will also learn a wide array of skills in their classroom work including professional behaviour in the workplace, self advocacy, team work, communication and many other topics. At the end of the programme, on average 60% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates move into full-time permanent roles and 70% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates gain jobs in total
Interns must be aged between 18 and 24 and must have a current EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) in order to secure funding from their Local Authority. (Merton, Wandsworth, Sutton and Croydon and any other local authorities).
Contact
Location
St George's Hospital, Tooting
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
London
SW17 0QT
Date and Time
Programme run Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm during school term time
Costs
Programme is funded through the young persons EHCP
Referral Information
An offer of a place on the DFN Project SEARCH programme will be dependent upon
- Funding from your Local authority (Active EHCP)
- Successful DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. This is a criminal record check
- Clearance by the Hospital’s Occupational Health service
Availability Information
The programme for 2026-2027 is now full hower if you are interested in 2027-2028 please contact me.
Local Offer
DFN Project SEARCH is a national charity dedicated to transforming employment opportunities for young people with a learning disability, or autism spectrum condition, or both. Working in partnership with over 200 organisations across the UK, we bring together local education providers, local authorities, and supported employment partners to create meaningful career pathways.
Backed by data and driven by people, we have already supported over 2,000 young people, with an average of 63% securing permanent, paid roles.
Our ambition is simple: to create a more inclusive workforce where talent is recognised, opportunities are accessible, and aspirations become achievements.
