Project Search Derriford

29/06/2026

Last week, we had our DFN Project SEARCH Derriford graduation at City College Plymouth, joined by friends, family and supporting staff from our partners at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Pluss!

City College Plymouth works in partnership with the NHS and Pluss to bring Project SEARCH to life - it was wonderful to see the latest group of interns graduate from the scheme and celebrate their success. Some of them have already attended interviews for permanent jobs, and a few have already gained paid employment!

Our graduates prepared a short presentation for friends, family, staff and other guests to share their stories and demonstrate the progress they’ve made.

Piper, one of the graduates, said: “Project Search gives you the opportunity to do a real internship and discover what you like and what you don't like. I’m proud of completing all three of my internships!” Piper is currently completing an application for an NHS band 2 job in the Surgical Disinfection Unit, where she received excellent feedback from her mentor and manager during her second internship. Good luck Piper!

Luke Dennis, a Project SEARCH mentor and manager of Level 2 Stores, said: “This has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with. I think we've gained much more from the programme than the interns have gained from us - it's a really positive way to get young people into the workplace. We've taken on a couple of interns already, and we'd have taken on more if we could!"

Pete Densham, another mentor and Logistics Stores Supervisor, added: "I've done this for eight years now, and I learn more from the interns than they learn from me. It's a privilege to be involved in this programme."

Daniel Payne, the Project SEARCH tutor and Coordinator for Pathways for Progression at the College, said: "It’s been another fantastic year, witnessing our interns develop and progress in the world of work. Our interns have shared how they have grown in confidence, and boosted their communication skills and their resilience. This programme has helped them to believe in themselves - and in the process, become active job seekers. With current stats in the UK putting one in eight 16-24 year olds in the NEET category, we are turning the tables and representing our young people in a positive light. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort in September."

Well done to everyone involved in this incredible initiative!
Bring on September 2026 - 2027!

Last week, we hosted the Project SEARCH Derriford graduation. Project SEARCH Derriford is a life-changing, year-long supported internship programme based at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust designed to help young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism secure mainstream paid employmen...

19/05/2026

🌟Spaces still available🌟

🌟 PROJECT SEARCH DERRIFORD – RECRUITING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 🌟

September 2026 may feel far away, but now is the perfect time to plan for your future!

Project SEARCH gives young people the opportunity to gain valuable real-life work experience in a busy hospital environment while building confidence, independence, and employability skills that can lead to paid employment.

🏥 Based at Derriford Hospital

Who can apply?

✔️ Young people aged 18–24 in September 2026
✔️ Have a diagnosed learning disability and an EHCP
✔️ Live in Plymouth and pay Council Tax to Plymouth City Council

We are looking for people who:

⭐ Want to move into paid employment
⭐ Can work Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
⭐ Are committed to good attendance and punctuality
⭐ Are willing to learn and work as part of a team

📅 Programme starts: September 2026

📩 To find out more or apply, please visit:
https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/project-search/

👉 Please share this post with anyone who may be interested — we still have spaces available!

24/04/2026

✨ Exciting week at Project SEARCH! ✨

We’ve had two incredible days of interviews and it’s been amazing meeting so many inspiring applicants 😊

🚀 Good news — there’s still time to apply for September 2026!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this life-changing programme.

👉 Apply now:
https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/courses/project-search/

City College Plymouth Pluss University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Project SEARCH Course Code: PJS Level: 1, 2 Qualification: Award, Certificate Awarding body: City & Guilds (C&G) Duration: One year Course type: Full-time Time of day: Daytime When you'll study: Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Apply now Career Coach What's it all about? Delivered in partnership wi...

27/03/2026

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!

27/03/2026

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

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

✨ 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

24/02/2026

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