Six young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have graduated from a supported internship programme run by West Nottinghamshire College in partnership with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The DFN Project SEARCH programme is a one-year transition-to-work initiative that helps participants develop workplace skills, confidence and independence. At a special graduation ceremony, the interns were recognised for completing placements across various hospital departments.
Workplace Placements and Achievements
Throughout the year, the graduates gained hands-on experience in roles such as admin/care assistant in the dementia and falls department, domestic assistant in domestic services, admin assistant in the occupational health team (later moving to portering and domestic assistance), catering assistant, porter, and assistant in hospital stores and the linen room. The programme is delivered through a partnership between the college, the trust and employer partners, with support from job coaches, workplace mentors, instructors, families and carers.
Employment Success Stories
Several graduates have progressed into employment. One young man secured a job at Butlin's in Skegness after his internship, relocating for his first-ever job. Another intern started work at a care home in April, and three others secured roles within the hospital itself.
Partnership Praise
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: "Our partnership with the trust continues to demonstrate the difference supported internships can make. These opportunities help young people develop skills, confidence and independence in a real workplace environment. I would like to thank our college team, trust colleagues, employer partners, mentors, families and carers for their support. Most importantly, congratulations to our interns, who embraced every opportunity and achieved so much throughout the year."
Hospital CEO's Perspective
Jon Melbourne, chief executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Each year, we see the positive impact this programme has on interns, their families and everyone involved. Watching individuals grow in confidence, develop new skills and achieve their goals is always inspiring. Today's graduates should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. They have embraced every opportunity and shown what they are capable of, and we look forward to seeing what they do next."
Programme Coordinator's View
Jacqueline Wix, senior audit officer and business liaison for Project SEARCH, said: "It has been a privilege to watch this year's interns grow in confidence and capability throughout their placements. From their first days within the trust to their graduation, each individual has developed valuable workplace skills, built positive relationships with colleagues and demonstrated a real commitment to learning. We have also seen their personalities shine through, which has been lovely to watch. Our departments within the trust and Medirest have embraced the programme and provided fantastic support, helping interns gain meaningful experience in a wide range of roles. Seeing most of the interns progress into employment is a wonderful achievement and highlights the value of supported internships in creating opportunities for young people while helping us build a more inclusive workforce. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and wish them every success in the future."
College Employability Manager
Louise Dakin, employability and SEND manager at the college, said: "This year's interns have achieved so much and it has been fantastic to watch their confidence, independence and workplace skills develop throughout the programme. Graduation day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside families, carers, mentors and colleagues. We are incredibly proud of the progress they have made and excited to see what comes next for each of them."
Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony was attended by family members, carers, college staff, workplace mentors and representatives from the trust and partner organisations, celebrating the interns' achievements and the programme's positive impact. The continued success of DFN Project SEARCH demonstrates the value of supported internships in helping young people with SEND gain meaningful workplace experience, develop independence and move closer to sustained employment.
