Supported Internship - GXO City Plumbing

Do you want to take part in an exciting research project with King's College London and Youth Futures Foundation to better understand how supported internships can help young people without an EHCP into employment?

The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship is an academic-year-long work-based programme for young people with a learning disability and/or autism to develop existing skills and learn new skills in a work setting. The GXO City Plumbing Supported Internship is for young people who DO NOT have an education & health care plan (EHCP) but MUST have a declared SEND need, are 18 on or before 31^st August 2026 and have the desire to want to work.

The course is delivered entirely on site at City Plumbing. Each day will start at 9 a.m., in a dedicated classroom, with maths & English and employability skills sessions. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 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 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. you will return to the classroom to reflect on your placement.

This programme is a research project and as such, not all applicants will be successful in gaining a place. All applicants are required to take part in a recruitment/selection day where they will undertake a series of tasks designed to assess suitability. It is important to know that we are not looking for perfection, we are looking for potential. The day is enjoyable and gives applicants the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate their strengths.

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 CV, 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 many host employers such as GXO and Warrington & Halton Hospitals Trust.

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 18 and 24 years old.

Have a declared SEND need and/or autism (this does not have to be officially diagnosed).

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.

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.