What is Project Search?
Project Search is a transition to work program for people with disabilities. DFN works with the NHS to provide working opportunities in hospital roles like volunteering, IT, stores and more. It’s for 18 -24 year olds in their last year of education. We partner with Barnsley Hospital to bring Project Search to our students. We have also partnered with Barnsley Council to make the placements available to students.
Before students begin their internships, they will have an induction session at the College, which will include NHS induction training. A member of our team is assigned as a Job Coach to students to support them while they carry out their placement.
Student Profile
Name
Anna Jane Greenwood
Course
Learning for Living and Work Supported Internship Full-Time
“I’m on the Project Search program working in Barnsley Hospital Stores department. I started the role after Christmas. I do a bit of everything – archiving, unpacking deliveries, sorting the stock, moving items to different rooms and printing. The people here are really supportive and it really helps. I like sorting things out and getting things done. ”
Student Profile
Name
William Ward
Course
Learning for Living and Work Supported Internship Full-Time
“I started the internship last year in the Barnsley Hospital Portering department. I push patients to where they need to go and take them back up to wards. My favourite part so far has been meeting new people and talking as those boost my confidence more. I like communicating with patients and getting to know their story. ”
Student Profile
Name
Kyle Norris
Course
Learning for Living and Work Supported Internship Full-Time
“I started working in the Barnsley Hospital IT department in January. My role is quite varied; sometimes I’m answering people’s IT questions and calls, other times I’m re-imaging a computer and setting it on the hospital network. I also repair any IT equipment that needs fixing. I’m developing lots of IT skills that I didn’t have before I started the internship. ”
Student Profile
Name
Liam Eastwood
Course
Learning for Living and Work Supported Internship Full-Time
“I am working in the Barnsley Hospital Clinical Systems department. My IT tasks involve sorting out what’s inside the computer and making it work again. I also fix problems with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and software that doctors and nurses require on the computer. My favourite part has been working with a team that is around my age. We’re a really close team. ”
This is a video with further information on Project Search:
What are the benefits of Project Search to a student?
Project Search benefits our students in lots of ways. It:
– Boosts the confidence of people with disabilities
– Empowers people with disabilities with employability skills
– Work experience for CV or to gain further opportunities/employment
– Gain friendships and make connections
– People with disabilities gain knowledge and learn about new industries
– Financial independence and security from money earned
– Boost to self-esteem
What course is available?
We offer a Supported Internship. This full-time course starts in September.
Information for Employers
We are looking for local businesses, both large and small, to provide unpaid work opportunities to help young people develop employability skills whilst making a positive contribution to the business.
All individuals have different skills and will therefore be able to do many different kinds of jobs. While we encourage you to keep an open mind, there are some general guidelines about the types of jobs that would be best suited:
- Jobs that require practical skills that can be learned through practice and repetition.
- Jobs that do not require high level qualifications.
- Jobs that do not require a driving licence.
Placements could include working in a warehouse, catering establishment, estates, retail or administration setting. The most important aspect will be to ensure a good match between the skills and abilities of the young person and the demands of the role.
What are the benefits for your business?
Evidence shows that disabled workers demonstrate great commitment and performance and have excellent attendance records. Studies have shown that employing people with a disability improves workforce morale and increases customer goodwill.
Your customer base will appreciate the efforts you are making to be an equal opportunities employer.
Will there be any cost involved?
No. Barnsley College will fund any necessary costs i.e. DBS checks that are incurred as a result of the placement.
All businesses who join the scheme will also benefit from:
- FREE Disability Awareness training in the workplace.
- FREE training needs analysis and recruitment needs support.
- An experienced Job Coach who will offer support and guidance to the young person and the employer for the length of the programme.
Need more information?
You can speak with the Learning for Living and Work by emailing LFLWadmin@barnsley.ac.uk or calling 01226 216 248. Alternatively visit the DFN Project Search website.