Project Search

During this one year programme, you’ll be based at Sutton Health and Care gaining a range of transferable and marketable job skills such as team-working and problem-solving. With 800 hours of structured support from staff, mentors, instructors and coaches, you’ll become more confident when applying for a job. The DFN Project SEARCH programme has seen 80% of graduates securing a paid job (16 hours or more per week). The programme is in partnership with Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS), experts in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.

Who is the programme for?

If you are between 17 and 24 years, have special educational needs or a barrier to learning and require extra support and would like to access further training and employment, then this is a great programme for you.

You will be in a work placement up to five days per week.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have an active EHCP and need to be working at Entry Level 3 (or above, up to Level 2). We would like to meet you for an assessment before you join us on the DFN Project Search course.

We want to make sure this is the right programme for you. To apply ask your Local Authority to consult with Orchard Hill College.

About the programme

Orchard Hill College have partnered with London Borough of Sutton to deliver this programme. This Practical programme has been designed to prepare you for the next exciting steps in your life. You will learn skills to start you on your pathway to work. You will be supported to work within different areas of the Council and Sutton Health and Care including;

• Administration

• Marketing

• Catering and Hospitality

• Customer services

We will also prepare you for work, supporting you with:

• CV writing

• Applying for a job

• Interview skills

• Building confidence and self esteem

• How to communicate in a work situation

• Working as a group

• Budgeting

You will work towards achieving an award in:

• Skills for Employment Entry 3 – Level 1

• Skills for Employment Entry Level 3/ Level 1

• Work preparation Level 2 accreditation

• Functional skills English and maths Entry Level 3 – Level 2 can also be achieved

Here’s how we will achieve it together

You will have a tutor delivering the programme along with a Job Coach to support you with work preparation and employability skills.

Outcome

On completion of the programme, you may have opportunities for paid employment and an accreditation in

• Skills for Employment Entry 3 – Level 1

• Using Employability Skills Entry 3 – Level 1

• Work Preparation Level 2 accreditation

• Level 1 or 2 Employability Skills

• NCFE Level 1 or 2 Award in Employment

• Possibly Functional Skills

• Paid Employment

• An Apprenticeship for further study