Lampton Services is delighted to support the London Borough of Hounslow and DfN Project Search by offering work placements for young people with learning disabilities.

The DFN Project SEARCH is an internationally recognised work-led, one year Supported Internship programme for young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism, which actively prepares them for the world of work and supports their transition into full time, paid employment.

This evidence-based programme combines classroom instruction and hands-on skills training in the workplace. We typically increase a young person’s employability from 4.8% to 60%. The programme has the aim to support 10,000 interns into work by 2030, and 20,000 by 2035.

The London Borough of Hounslow has over the years been proudly involved with a number of well-established local employers including the GSK site in Brentford, Marriott Hotel in Twickenham Stadium and more recently Thorpe Park; to be the host businesses where interns are based during their supported internship. The council has itself been a host business for nearly 10 years. Commissioned by the London Borough of Hounslow, coached by Kaleidoscope and tutored by West Thames College, interns are based at the host business full time and are mentored in a structured way.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Are aged 17-24
  • Have an open Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Be an independent traveller or willing to undertake travel training before the programme starts
  • Be committed to attend 1 academic year, 5 days a week between 9am – 4pm approximately everyday 
  • Are in their last year of education and want to progress into full-time paid employment by the end of the programme.

Interested in taking part?

If you’re interested in taking part, please contact the scheme managers directly using this link.

Project SEARCH is a challenging programme – you have to work hard to gain the employability qualification and to  develop new skills. I would recommend the programme to people who are ready to leave college and want to go into work.’’

Patrick M

My time at Project SEARCH was good and it helped me be more confident in myself and it has given me a second chance. At my work placement it was fun and I had a good time. The team was friendly and nice to work with. When doing the work, we had to go inside and take out furniture from different houses. I liked it because it was a physical activity

Ryan E