Supported Internships

Supported Internships with Project SEARCH – empowering young adults with learning disabilities and autism secure lasting, inclusive employment.

DFN Project SEARCH at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust offers young people, aged 17-25 years, with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum condition the chance to gain hands-on work experience and develop the confidence to gain paid employment through a supported internship at Charing Cross Hospital.

The supported internship is run in a collaborative partnership with the College of North West London and Kaleidoscope, with support from DFN Project SEARCH and the Brent Council.

"Our mission is to help interns transition confidently from education to employment, both within the NHS and beyond."

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Why chose Project SEARCH?

  • Proven success: Celebrating 10 years of impact, our programme has helped over 100 interns develop essential skills, with 56 graduates moving into paid employment.
  • Personalised experience: Each September, we welcome 12 new interns. Interns complete three placements matched to their interests and strengths.
  • Support at every step: A job coach, a tutor and workplace mentors in each placement are dedicated to helping interns succeed, grow and learn independently.

Placement areas

Interns get hands-on experience and develop skills in areas such as:

  • Patient care as a healthcare assistant
  • Providing essential office and organisational support as an administrator
  • Preparing and delivering meals with care as a patient dining assistant
  • Keeping wards organised as a ward administrator
  • Maintaining safe, clean wards and facilities
  • Transferring patients and transport equipment safely
  • Providing clean bedding and clothing for patients as a linen services assistant
  • Processing samples, support vital testing in medical laboratories
  • Maintaining and organising medical equipment

Jobs secured by our graduates

Many graduates have secured roles such as healthcare assistant, housekeeper, porter, clerk or administrator, among others at the Trust. These jobs usually offer a starting full-time salary of £24,465.

Graduate success stories:

"I enjoy helping patients and learning new things every day with the support of a helpful team and encouraging job coaches. If you don’t know something, don’t be shy to ask—everyone is here to help each other succeed."

Nimalraj was part of our first graduating class and has worked as a healthcare assistant in Theatres nearing 10 years. He credits the internship, his job coaches, and supportive colleagues for helping him develop the skills and confidence that led to long‑term employment.

Nimalraj Kanagarajah, class of 2016

"I learnt how to work independently and under pressure and to tight deadlines."

Dev joined at age 17 with a clear ambition to work in IT. His two rotations in the IT department helped him develop strong technical skills, leading to a paid role as an Apple Support Technician and, later, a Site Service Administration Assistant with Toureen Construction.

Dev Kanabar, class of 2021

"I was shy at first, but talking more with patients and colleagues helped me learn English and become more confident."

Joining the programme as a quiet and reserved intern, Maulika Amu grew in confidence and communication. After securing a role as a catering hostess, she now thrives in patient‑facing work and hopes to mentor future interns.

Maulika Amu, class of 2016

“The DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internship helped me to get new skills and I loved that when I got a little bit stuck, I got help and after that I could do it independently”

Will secured a permanent role at the Trust, as a catering assistant, after graduating and continues to be a valued member of the team today.

Will Mathias-Smith, class of 2020

Join us - your future starts with the NHS

Recruitment for 2026/27 opens in January 2026. 

Young people, parents, and carers are invited to attend our open events. Meet current interns, graduates, and the team, and ask us anything.

Open event dates

Who can apply

Prospective interns should be:

  • Aged 17–25
  • Have a learning disability and/or autism spectrum condition
  • Have a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  • Be able to to travel independently
  • Keen to gain real work experience and develop skills to secure paid employment

Want to know more?

Contact Gen Botezatu at gen.botezatu@cwc.ac.uk or 0207 258 5530.

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