Round of Applause for Three DFN Project Search Interns who are Graduating from their Work Placement Programme!

Alex, Hannah and Emma (graduates pictured L-R) are celebrating a huge personal and professional achievement; graduation from their successful DFN Project Search internships with Denbighshire-based housing association, ClwydAlyn.

Over the past ten months, interns Alex, age 32, Hannah, age 29 and Emma, age 22, have rolled up their sleeves and embraced a huge challenge. DFN Project Search is a nationally recognised programme, which supports young adults with learning differences or autism to spend a year with a host organisation. The programme, which is facilitated by a partnership between two charities, DFN and Hft, aims to help build readiness for the workplace by nurturing life skills, supporting confidence and promoting independence.

Both Emma and Hannah have thrived in their placements in the catering team at Llys Raddington, one of ClwydAlyn’s independent living schemes for elderly residents. While Alex has flourished in his placements at the recycling centre and most recently in a retail role working alongside contract partner, Travis Perkins.

As the interns proudly joined the ClwydAlyn team to celebrate their graduation, they move on with not only a prestigious qualification, but also plenty of hands-on experience, and a real sense of what they can achieve.

The trio spoke about their experience of the DFN Project Search programme and how the opportunities throughout the year have helped them to grow both personally and professionally; with confidence and skills being significant to all three graduates.

“I would definitely recommend Project Search. I feel I have gained more confidence since being on the programme.”

Alex

Project Search Graduate

“I joined Project Search because I wanted to get more work experience, so I can get a job and live independently. The programme gave me more experience, new skills and helped me gain confidence.”

Hannah

Project Search Graduate

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but from doing my placement in the café, I now know what I want to do! Project Search really helped me with my confidence.”

Emma

Project Search Graduate

At the heart of the DFN Project Search programme is a desire to help young people reach their full potential, and to give employers the opportunity to see it too. DFN leads on the specialised Project Search programme with Hft implementing supported employment provision and ongoing job support whilst also providing employability coaches and follow on help with job searching, CV building and more.

“We have all been genuinely inspired by our three interns this year!
“Through their rotations they have built up so many new skills; learning on the job across different roles, bringing a fresh perspective and reminding us of what we can achieve when we put our minds to something!
“Congratulations Alex, Hannah and Emma; we are very proud of you all.”

Annie Jackson

Employability Specialist at ClwydAlyn

“We are immensely proud of the interns that have graduated this year, they have shown enthusiasm and determination to succeed in their rotations, which has led to employment being secured.
“The Hft supported employment team will continue the training and support for the graduates through their follow-on team, this will be through in-work support and the continuation of supporting job seekers.
“This is our sixth year working in collaboration with Clwyd Alyn on this internship, which has grown from strength to strength. Hft employability coaches and tutors are an integral part of the internship, we look forward to seeing the growth and development of our graduates and the exciting next steps for the interns that will embark upon this year’s internship for 2025-2026.”

Julia Hawkins

Supported Employment Manager at Hft

“[Alex] has a very good eye for detail and a very polite and helpful member of staff. He has very fast become a very valuable asset. Alex is a credit to himself and to my team.”

James Lee

Branch Manager at Travis Perkins, Queensferry, who oversaw one of Alex’s placement rotations.

With their graduation complete, all three interns are now ready to embrace their next challenge. Emma has accepted a position at Gwella, and Alex is still enjoying his placement at Travis Perkins.

To find out more about DFN Project Search, and how to apply to be part of the scheme visit: Home | DFN Project SEARCH

For information about the supported employment team and working with Hft to provide employment opportunities email: Julia.hawkins@hft.org.uk

To find out more about current employment opportunities at ClwydAlyn visit: Home | ClwydAlyn