Phoenix Primary and Secondary School

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.