Celebrating National Supported Internship Day 2024
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is delighted to support National Supported Internship Day, a celebration of the huge impact a supported internship can have on both individuals and organisations alike.
Supported internships are designed to provide an alternative path into the workforce for people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions. The event, taking place annually on March 27, serves to challenge misconceptions and highlight barriers to employment that people with learning disabilities face.
The Health Board has been supporting young people with learning disabilities enter the workplace, having partnered with DFN Project SEARCH since 2021.
DFN Project SEARCH is an alternative to traditional school-based education and helps people transition into work. Many people with learning disabilities and autism find the transition to the workplace difficult after leaving school. This initiative helps young people grow their confidence and secure meaningful, paid employment.
So far, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has taken on 32 young people through DFN Project SEARCH and have had 13 people join the Health Board on a full-time basis after completing the course. Each year, the Health Board takes on more young people onto the project. Placements with the Health Board involves working in 3 different areas of the organisation for 10-12 weeks at a time to gain a range of experiences in different areas.
The year ends with a Graduation event, where the interns, parents/guardians and managers attend. The young people are presented with a certificate by the Chief Executive, Suzanne Rankin, and they are offered the chance to present to the audience on their experience.
Nicky Punter, Workforce Recruitment Manager at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said, “Since the commencement of Project Search in 2021, the project has given over 30 young people the opportunity to experience real work life in a hospital setting and the difference in the individuals from when they started is immense.
“It allows them the chance to gain confidence, independence, new life skills and the opportunity to apply for a paid employment role in their chosen area. I have really enjoyed meeting, getting to know and working with these young people who show that they are so grateful to be given this opportunity in their excellent work ethic and attendance which has been exemplary.
“It is such a rewarding project to be involved with.”
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s involvement with DFN Project SEARCH is in partnership with Cardiff Council and the local education authority. We are currently securing the placements for September’s intake.
Luke, a Project SEARCH student on his placement in the postal department said, “I started Project Search pretty shy but now feel confident and comfortable when meeting new people and starting new tasks.
“Meeting the wards staff was good and helped me grow in confidence and build my navigation skills. I feel that I am trusted and given more responsibility than I was in school and enjoy that. I am really enjoying the project and learning the different tasks.”
Young people who would like to participate in a placement in the Health Board will need to apply through their schools. If the young person is registered with Additional Learning Needs, they can apply for the project via their School for the following academic Year. They would need to inform their appropriate educational lead to express their interest with the Education Authority to apply for a place. This would be either Cardiff Council or Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is delighted to be a disability-friendly employer. Read more about the Health Board’s aims to achieve an inclusive workforce at shapingourfuturewellbeing.com
For more information on work experience and other opportunities for young people, please visit our page on work experience. For more information on DFN Project SEARCH, please visit their website.