Project Search Derriford

At DFN Project SEARCH Derriford, today’s celebrations have been centred around an important occasion—National Supported Internships Day 2026—a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of supported interns across the country and the positive impact they have in workplaces.
For those who are not aware, DFN Project SEARCH Derriford was established back in 2010. It was one of the first supported internship programmes formed in the UK, helping young people with learning disabilities gain valuable, real-world work experience. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, City College Plymouth and Pluss have worked together as a partnership during this time, and are proud to wave the Project SEARCH banner for the City of Plymouth. Over the course of a year, interns take part in a variety of placements across the hospital, building practical skills, confidence, and independence while contributing positively to day-to-day operations.
To mark National Supported Internships Day 2026, the interns chose a celebration that reflects one of the core values of the programme: gratitude. Rather than focusing on themselves, they turned their attention to the mentors and managers who support them throughout their journey. Working together, they created a collection of thoughtfully prepared hampers, each filled with treats and personalised touches.
The activity was a positive and meaningful way to highlight what supported internships are all about. The guidance, patience and encouragement interns receive each day play a key role in helping them grow in confidence and develop valuable workplace skills. The interns’ gesture was a genuine reflection of the supportive environment they are part of.
As the hampers were delivered across departments, the atmosphere was warm and uplifting. Conversations sparked, smiles were shared, and there was a real sense of pride in what the interns had achieved together.
National Supported Internships Day 2026 shines a light on the value of supported internships in helping young people move towards paid employment and greater independence. Today has been a great example of that in action—showcasing both the progress of the interns and the strength of the support around them.
Through their thoughtful gesture, the interns have shown not only how far they have come, but also the positive attitude, teamwork and gratitude they bring to the workplace—qualities that will support them well into the future.
We are all so very proud of our interns, past and present, who continue to show dedication and resilience towards finding paid employment. We hope that you have had a lovely day!

HAPPY NATIONAL SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS DAY! 🥳CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR FANTASTIC INTERNS FROM PAST AND PRESENT, SINCE 2010!

✨ Project SEARCH Information Morning! ✨

🗓 Thursday 12th March
⏰ 10:00am – 11:30am
📍 Project SEARCH Training Room, Brittany House

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming information morning! 🎉

If you’re thinking about joining our next cohort of interns starting September 2026, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more 👀💼

On the day you’ll:
🤝 Meet the team
📊 Enjoy a short presentation
❓ Have the chance to ask any questions

📩 Send us a message on facebook to book your place!

City College Plymouth
Pluss
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

All of our interns had a fantastic day at Boom Battle Bar yesterday celebrating their hard efforts along with lots of other supported interns across Plymouth.

Many thanks to Plymouth City Council for making it possible.

City College Plymouth
Pluss

🌟 PROJECT SEARCH DERRIFORD 🌟
RECRUITING FOR SEPTEMBER 2026

It may seem a long way away, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about your future!

Project SEARCH offers young people the opportunity to gain real work experience in a busy hospital environment, helping to build confidence, independence, and skills that lead to paid employment.

🏥 Based at Derriford Hospital

Who can apply?

✔️ Aged 18–24 in September 2026
✔️ Have a diagnosed learning disability and an EHCP
✔️ Live at a Plymouth address and pay Council Tax to Plymouth City Council

You’ll need to:

⭐ Be motivated to move into paid work
⭐ Be able to work Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
⭐ Commit to good attendance and timekeeping

📅 Programme starts September 2026

📩 For more information or to find out how to apply please follow this link https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/project-search/

👉 Feel free to share this post with anyone who may be interested!

Pluss
City College Plymouth
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

A huge welcome to our Project SEARCH interns of 2025.....well done on completing your first week in your internships 😀

Pluss City College Plymouth University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

National Supported Internships Day!

Another wonderful annual celebration of at Derriford Hospital. Here are some pictures of how our interns spent their day, eating pizza (thank you Neil from Pluss), delivering hampers to our fantastic managers and mentors around the hospital (thank you City College Plymouth). A special gift from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for the interns still to come.

This day is to celebrate the fantastic work our interns do throughout the year, well done to you all......back to work as normal tomorrow!!!

***Project SEARCH Derriford***
***RECRUITING FOR SEPTEMBER 2025!!!***
It may seem a long way away, but there is no better time to consider your future than right now!
This academic year has flown by for our interns on Project SEARCH, but what an experience it has been for them!
Learning to work safely and professionally within a busy hospital environment will certainly increase their chances of employability for their futures...and this could be the same for you, if you make it on to our September 2025 programme!
HOW TO APPLY FOR PROJECT SEARCH
If you meet these criteria:
• Have a diagnosed Learning Disability and an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
• Aged 18 to 24 years in September 2025
• Live at a Plymouth address and pay Council Tax to Plymouth City Council
Candidates must:
• Really want to get paid work!
• Be prepared to work at Derriford Hospital
• Be able to commit to working Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
• Have an excellent time keeping and attendance record
You can apply on line through the City College Plymouth website
https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/project-search-sdh5/

A huge congratulations to our intern Jack who has secured a full time job at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in the Logistics Team.

Jack completed his first internship within the Logistics Team and they saw Jack’s potential early on. As he became more skilled, his tasks grew more complex. His supervisors took note of his dedication and began involving him in larger tasks. They were impressed by his problem-solving ability and his positive attitude, both of which were crucial in the fast-paced hospital environment.
By the end of his internship, Jack had proven himself to be an invaluable part of the team. His consistent performance and the relationships he had built with his colleagues led to an exciting opportunity. After being invited to interview after submitting a successful application, he was offered a paid, full-time position within the Logistics Team. Jack was overjoyed, but also incredibly proud of how far he had come. His hard work and determination had paid off, and he was now in a role that allowed him to contribute to the hospital’s operations in a meaningful way.

We are all super proud of you Jack!!

Pluss
City College Plymouth

When Alfie left school, he wasn’t sure which career path to take but he was determined to build his skills and independence. Alfie found the support he needed through the Skills Development programmes at City College Plymouth.

✅ Joined our Skills Development programme at 16
✅ Completed work placements with Plymouth City Council & Derriford Hospital University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
✅ Gained hands-on experience in logistics, recycling & waste management
✅ Now working full-time as a Refuse Porter at Derriford Hospital
✅ Mentoring new interns & giving back to the College

We’re so proud of everything Alfie has achieved! His journey proves that the right support and hands-on training can change lives.

Read more about Alfie's journey here: cityplym.info/Alfie

Want to know more about Skills Development & Supported Internships?
👉 Visit www.cityplym.info/SkillsDevelopment

nhs.uk

One of our interns had a fantastic experience at the end of his working day last Thursday. Jack is a die hard Plymouth Argyle Football Club fan and was delighted to be able to chat with some of his favourite players.