
DFN PROJECT SEARCH
What is it?
Project SEARCH is a supported internship programme for young people with learning disabilities and/or those on the autistic spectrum between the ages 17-25. It is a unique business led, one-year education to work programme that takes place entirely in the workplace. It is a partnership between a host employer (Queen Mary University of London), education establishments (Phoenix School and College) and supported employment services (Kaleidoscope Sabre Associates) and offers total workplace immersion, facilitates a seamless combination of employability skills introduction, career exploration and hands-on training through a series of job rotations within the host business.
How does it work?
The programme runs 9-3, five days a week, for a full academic year. Typically, interns complete three work placements between 10 – 12 weeks in length each rotation coinciding with school terms. Those taking part will have learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions and an active Educational Healthcare Plan. Interns are expected to travel independently to the workplace where possible and required to follow the Queen Mary University of London training guidelines. Work experience opportunities include: admin, catering & hospitality, retail, portering & post, grounds maintenance and I.T.
Benefits of joining an internship at Queen Mary University of London
- Access to an expansive support network including job coaches, a programme coordinator, managers and mentors within departments and fellow interns
- 3 full immersive work experience opportunities lasting 3 months at a time
- Support in applying for employment at the end of the programme and during interview
- Follow-on support from our Employment Engagement Coordinator to help interns integrate into their new jobs which lasts for up to 1 year
What has it achieved?
Of the graduating interns in the last three years, approximately 85% of them are now in full time paid employment or Apprenticeships, working for businesses such as Home Bargains, Énergie Fitness, Phoenix School, Royal Free Hospital, and other community work settings within London. Those not in employment have received support from our follow-on job coach to find an appropriate destination.
Outcome Data
Project SEARCH QMUL were 1 of only 5 sites within the UK to achieve 100% employment outcomes for the academic year 2019-2020. All interns received follow-on job coaching once they had begun working in paid employment. The benefit of this is that it helps interns integrate themselves into the workplace, learn the job role and adapt to working life, away from education. Interns who chose not to seek employment, received our full support to seek alternative provision, like a college course to achieve the necessary grade to pursue their desired career.



MEET THE TEAM
For further info, please get in contact with a member of the team
Matt Snow: Tutor and Programme Coordinator
Tel: 07368 100 118
Email: m.snow@qmul.ac.uk
Matt’s role is to oversee the smooth running of this programme at QMUL. He works closely with Arthur and Chi to ensure interns are having the best possible experience on the programme. He is also responsible for delivering an Employability Qualification to the interns, when they are not in their rotations.
Mubidi Munye: Job Coach
Tel: 07852 299 134
Email: m.munye@qmul.ac.uk
Mubidi is responsible for liaising with departments and helping the interns learn their job roles within the department. He checks in with interns and the department on a daily basis and will assist with any learning that is necessary within the rotation. Should a department have any problems, Mubidi would be the first point of contact.
Cigdem (Chi) Yilmaz: Follow on Job Coach
Tel: 07494 764 187
Email: c.yilmaz@qmul.ac.uk
Like Mubidi, Chi will support with the job coaching on campus. As well as this, towards the second half of the year, her focus turns to securing employment for the interns. She will be assisting interns with job applications and making contact with potential employers. Chi maintains contact with the interns for a further 6 months following the programme completion to see that interns and employers are settled in their new role.
application form
