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We are launching a new transition to work programme

We have partnered with DFN Project SEARCH, Hillingdon Autistic Care & Support (HACS) and Orchard Hill College, to deliver an exciting new transition to work programme for autistic young people and young people with learning disabilities, starting in September 2023.

This fantastic opportunity will offer up to 12 interns a year of work placements within the hospital, helping them to build confidence and learn new skills, with the aim of securing competitive paid employment. At the end of the programme, on average 60% of DFN Project SEARCH gradates move into full-time permanent roles and 70% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates gain jobs in total.

The programme is in partnership with Orchard Hill College and HACS, experts in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. Orchard Hill College will be responsible for recruiting candidates for the programme and delivering an employability curriculum to support employability skills learnt on the programme. HACS will be providing the interns with practical support whilst on their workplace rotations with two TSI trained job coaches, identifying and jointly planning necessary workplace adjustments and performing job-matching.

Tina Benson, Chief Operating Officer said

Only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability or autism are in full-time employment. Hillingdon Hospital Trust are proud to be working with HACS and Orchard Hill College, with support from London Borough of Hillingdon to change this and shape the future of our interns. Supported Internships can have a huge impact, not only on the life outcomes of interns who participate but also on our trust and wider society too.

Kelly Ridge, Project Search Programme specialist says

Supported Internships are a work-based study programme for 16 to 24 years old with SEND and can help kickstart a young person’s career or put them on the path to employment. DFN Project SEARCH’s supported internships have seen up to 70% of their graduates gain paid employment, and it’s not just the interns who benefit but wider society benefits from a diverse talent pool.

For more information, please contact the Skills & Employment Team at HACS: supportedemployment@hacs.org.uk

Posted in Careers

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