Supported Internships Hub

DFN Project SEARCH structure and support

The Interns apply to be based at a Host Business, where all learning, coaching and work rotations are delivered.

  • The programme runs for 1 academic year, Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 3.30pm
  • Interns complete 3 different full-time work rotations, each between 10-12 weeks, gaining around 800 hours of work experience
  • Interns have a dedicated space on-site to complete their learning and job reflection whilst on the programme
  • The Tutor and Job coach also remain on-site for the qualification, job coaching, and additional support as and when needed
  • Interns complete a City and Guilds-Employability Skills qualification on-site but can also work towards their Functional Skills Maths and English at West Thames College

 

Debbie Robinson, CEO of Kaleidoscope Social Enterprise Ltd:

"We know first-hand the positive impact that this transition to employment programme can have on the young people we work alongside on their journey into paid work."

Support

Pre-programme

  • Community Provisions - Travel training to be able to travel independently and with confidence
  • Pre-transition coaching - 1-2-1 sessions with a progression coach to transition into your next employment related opportunity
  • Peer-mentoring - New Interns have sessions with a current Intern or recent graduate to hear about their experience of DFN Project SEARCH and do short activities to get ready to join us in September

During the programme

  • Coaching and support - Our Interns are supported by a Job Coach from Kaleidoscope who helps the Intern settle into their role and understand what is expected of them. They ensure that all the adaptations and reasonable adjustments have been identified and implemented. The Job Coach will be available for every new rotation.
  • Rotations - The rotations are a mixture of practical and functional (doing and non-doing). All host businesses have a range of departments so interns can develop transferable skills.
  • All placements are supported by the on-site tutor and job coach, as well as managers and mentors within the host business. Opportunities include:
  • Business administration
  • Catering
  • Communications
  • Customer services
  • Day care centres, community services
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Facilities management
  • Grounds work
  • Hospitality
  • ICT
  • Reception
  • Retail
  • Security
  • Trades work
  • Warehouse

 

Post-programme

  • Once our graduates are in paid work a Job Coach will be available for the first three months when required, but this can be extended if necessary.
  • Graduate Job Development Programme - This is an extended part of the programme by Kaleidescope for those who haven’t yet found a progression opportunity. It focuses on maintaining the skills, behaviours and qualities developed whilst on the programme as well as continuing employability related support including job searching, application and interview support and in-the-job settlement.
  • Job retention support - Provided by the London Borough of Hounslow, we aim to provide a rapid response service for those in paid employment and their employers to overcome any potential barriers affecting the individual’s job retention.
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