DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year transition to work programme for young adults with a learning disability or autism spectrum conditions, or both. Young people must be aged 18-24 and have an active Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability go on to secure paid employment. We don’t think this is right and neither do the people we support and work alongside.

We partner with Amazon to provide a supported employment internship helping young people take positive first steps into the world of work. The aim of the programme is for young people to progress into paid employment, but this cannot be guaranteed. 

The programme might be right for you if:

  • you are aged 18 to 24-years-old
  • have a current Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP)
  • you feel ready to commit to a fulltime Monday to Friday programme
  • you want to secure paid employment for at least 16 hours per week after the programme ends
  • you are able to travel to the site
  • you are ready to commit from September until July 
  • you want to book a visit to the site so that you can find out more

What support is available?

Interns are supported on-site by a job coach and tutor, who are based at Amazon all the time. Their role is to foster independence and confidence, enabling the interns to learn their tasks and to complete them to the same standard as everyone else. Interns will work directly with mentors in their working areas. 

What does a typical day look like?

  • 9am to 10am - Classroom Employability Session - Topics such as self-advocacy, workplace expectations and personal development.
  • 10am to 3pm - Work Placement (3 different placements during the programme)
  • 3pm to 4pm - Classroom End of Day Reflection - Discuss what has gone well today, and what goals can be set for the next day.

Contact Details

To book a visit or for more information, please contact:
Email: SupportedInternships@derbyshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01629 539504

To apply to start the programme in September, please complete:
DACES Supported Internship Application Form September 25 Start