UHDB proudly hosts celebration for young people completing supported Project SEARCH internships
UHDB colleagues, families and supporters have come together to celebrate the achievements of ten young adults completing the 2024/25 Project SEARCH supported internship programme.
The graduation event, held in the Lecture Theatre at Royal Derby Hospital on Wednesday 16 July, marked the end of a transformative year for the interns - who completed 27 placements across the Trust thanks to key stakeholders who have helped to support the programme, such as our facilities provider ISS, and the University of Derby.
Executive Sponsor of the ThisAbility & Long-Term Conditions Network, Rebecca O’Connor, delivered a speech reflecting on her visit to intern placement areas earlier this year, saying: “It was both rewarding and humbling to speak to interns about the work they do.
"They shared how their roles had helped them grow in confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and build positive working relationships across our teams. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of fairness and inclusion in our workplace.”
Project SEARCH is a supported internship programme that helps young people with learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions gain the skills and experience they need to secure meaningful paid employment. Interns take part in three workplace placements over the course of a year, alongside tailored employability skills training.
The internships have seen young people supporting a wide range of departments and services. Roles have included helping with stores and stock management, assisting with patient catering and portering, maintaining clinical equipment areas, providing administrative support, and contributing to university facilities operations. These meaningful, hands-on experiences help develop real-world skills in timekeeping, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
This was the fifth cohort that have graduated through Project SEARCH Derby. Seven of this year's interns completed three placements each, while the remaining three secured paid roles part-way through the programme after completing two. The day included speeches, refreshments, and a formal certificate presentation led by Rebecca, with placement buddies, families, and colleagues from across UHDB and partner organisations in attendance.
Jo Lambourne, Personal Tutor and Programme Lead, said: “Our graduation event is an important opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of not only our amazing interns, but the support that the wider community in each department has given.
"The time, patience and generosity of the mentors involved from the initial placements to the last has been life-changing for our young adults on their journey into independence and employment.”
The Project SEARCH internship scheme helps us to create a more inclusive workplace for all, supporting young people to carry out meaningful tasks and make a valuable contribution to our vision of delivering Exceptional Care Together.
Reflecting on the impact of the year, Jo added: “The difference in the interns since September is vast. Where I first saw a group of nervous and tentative learners, I now truly see a group of mature, adaptable and proud individuals who strive to make a difference in this world. I’m immensely proud of each of them.”
The Project SEARCH team now looks ahead to welcoming the next cohort of interns in September 2025. Jo hopes the programme will continue to expand across more areas of the hospital, with greater support for inclusive recruitment practices.
“I would love as many people as possible to be part of the amazing work we do in our supported internship,” she said. “Our interns bring an energy and inspiration to their teams that lifts everyone around them.”