Supported Internship - Warrington Hospital

The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship is an academic-year-long programme of study specifically designed to help 17-24 year olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan to gain the skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work.

The course is delivered entirely on site at Warrington Hospital. Each day will start at 9am in a dedicated classroom, with maths & English and employability skills sessions. Between 10am and 3pm you will be on placement. Over the course of the year you will have the opportunity to try three different placements. At the end of the day, between 3pm and 4pm you will return to the classroom to reflect on your placement.

The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship is an ideal choice for young people who are thinking about making the transition from education to employment but need little extra support. You will gain invaluable, transferable workplace skills giving you the opportunity to kickstart your career.

DFN Project SEARCH is a nationally recognised specialist in the delivery of Supported Internships. 60% of interns on a DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship gain full time employment at the end of their placement and a further 10% gain part time employment. Please note that this employment may not be with who you have done your internship with.

A dedicated tutor and job coach will visit you daily in your placement, supporting you to learn your new role and helping your workplace to make reasonable adjustments.

You will learn all about the world of work including how to conduct yourself in the workplace, practical skills, communication skills, teamwork and working independently. You will gain confidence in your communication, independence, and practical skills. Additionally, you will learn how to put together a C.V., conduct a job search and how to behave in an interview, giving you the best start in your future beyond education.

Course staff will support you throughout your internship, helping you to learn the role and provide you with any other training that you may need. They can accompany you to meetings and work trials with employers and help with anything you might need to be successful in your work placement.

The overall aim is to equip you with the skills you need to progress in the workplace.

The desired outcome is for you to gain meaningful, paid employment of 16 hours or more per week. Additional or alternative positive outcomes include progression on to an apprenticeship, voluntary work, and independent living.

The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship is linked directly with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals.

You will be fully supported by dedicated course staff and teachers who will help you to learn new skills for your work placement and help you to reach your goals and progress with your education.

We also have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required and a welfare team that are on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

While on placement, you will be accompanied by a job coach who will help you to develop and put into practise the skills you need moving forward into the world of work. Job Coaches also work closely with employers to identify and help make any reasonable adjustments that may be necessary to best support you in the workplace.

Our Supported Internship coordinators tutors and job coaches will be there to support you every step of the way. They will arrange your placement, employer visits and work trials and will provide 1:1 practical support if you need it.

We work closely with employers and the local authority to ensure this course provides the best employment opportunities for young people with EHCPs.

We have excellent student satisfaction with 100% of learners saying they are happy with the course and would recommend it to a friend.

You should be between 17 and 24 years old, however, we recommend 18+.

You should have an active EHCP.

You should have a strong desire to 16 or more hours a week.

You should be fit to work.

It is an advantage if you can travel independently.

For further information about funding, please contact our Learner Services Team on 01925 494400 or learner.services@wvr.ac.uk.

Any costs attached to trips and visits or any PPE required will be notified in advance and all costs are kept to a minimum to ensure all learners can participate. Help is available if learners are in receipt of a bursary.