The DFN Project SEARCH supported internship programme, based at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in Filton, has been recognised with a prestigious award at a recent conference in Leicester.
This accolade highlights the programme’s remarkable achievement of securing 70% employment outcomes for its interns during the 2023/24 academic year.
The programme, a collaboration between NHSBT, City of Bristol College, Sixteen and Bristol City Council, offers a one-year transition-to-work pathway for young adults with learning disabilities, autism, or ADHD.
Students gain invaluable real-world work experience through three placements, allowing them to develop skills, confidence and a strong foundation for future employment.
From the latest cohort, six out of the seven interns have successfully secured employment, with four now working at NHSBT:
- Noah works in Hospital Services, where his enthusiasm and dedication earned him a recent nomination for Employee of the Month.
- Luke demonstrates his exceptional focus and attention to detail in the Donor Records department.
- Oliver has rediscovered his passion and found a new sense of purpose working in Manufacturing after facing challenges in college.
- Freddie, who joined partway through the year, is thriving in Hospital Services, enjoying his induction and building new skills.
The remaining two interns have also secured employment with local organisations, showcasing the programme’s broader impact on the community.
This outstanding result far exceeds the national average employment rate for adults with learning disabilities, which currently stands at just 4.8%.
Sonja Long, Placement Manager at NHSBT, expressed her pride in the programme’s transformative impact: “Project SEARCH is a life-changing opportunity for participants. This award recognises the efforts and impact of everyone involved – from colleagues who support the programme to the interns themselves, who contribute so much during their placements. A huge thank you to all of them.”
The NHSBT is already preparing for its 2024/25 cohort and the anticipation is palpable. “I met our new interns last week, and they’re eager to begin their journey with us,” added Sonja.
City of Bristol College is immensely proud to be part of this partnership, empowering young people to overcome barriers, gain meaningful employment and build brighter futures.
