Project SEARCH is a year-long supported internship programme for young adults with SEND aged between 16 and 24.
Over 400 young people now take part every year in 30 schemes supported by west London boroughs, with an average employment achievement rate of over 60 per cent.
Brent's Project SEARCH programmes are co-ordinated by the College of North West London (CNWL) and based at Charing Cross Hospital and Brent Civic Centre. Students must be aged between 16 and 24, have a recognised learning difficulty or disability and hold an education health and care (EHC) plan or learning difficulty assessment (LDA). Applications should be made through the CNWL.
Project SEARCH at Wembley Park
Launched in 2020, this programme offers young people with special educational needs and disabilities the chance to do a supported internship at Brent Council's Civic Centre or other local employers in Wembley Park.
- View the programme flyer (.pdf, 601.6kB)
- Watch a video about the programme (.mp4, 234.52MB)
- Listen to an audio about the programme (.mp3, 5.58MB)
Project SEARCH at Charing Cross Hospital
Launched in September 2016, the scheme aims to provide on-site internship experiences so that young adults can acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and self-confidence in readiness for paid employment. Through training and direct work experience, interns also develop maths, English and ICT skills, whilst working alongside employees in a real business setting. Students are also offered full training and support from the CNWL and a job coach throughout their year at Charing Cross. Over 20 interns have gone on to find full-time employment since the programme was launched.