DFN Project SEARCH at St George's

DFN Project SEARCH prepares young people 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).