Stories from Swindon: Building confidence and gaining experience
Meet four young people from Swindon who took part in PROJECT Search
Meet four young people from Swindon who took park in PROJECT Search, a supported internship programme that helps young people with additional needs gain skills, confidence, and experience in the workplace. Their stories show how the right support can unlock potential and open doors to meaningful employment.
Palvinder's story
Palvinder Bassi took part in a work placement through PROJECT Search, where he developed valuable skills in registration, business support, and adult community learning. His placement at Swindon Borough Council helped him grow both professionally and personally.
How did you feel about starting PROJECT Search?
"I felt proper excitement about starting at PROJECT Search because I was looking forward to doing some of the tasks"
What did you learn on PROJECT Search?
- To get the bus independently to & from work
- To communicate better with others & ask for help when I need it
What have been the highlights?
"I enjoyed some of the tasks I got to do in Registration and Adult Community Learning. I think I can communicate more with people around me now"
Who was your favourite mentor & why?
"I've enjoyed working with Amy from Adult Community Learning because she is very kind"
Dylan's story
Dylan Day took part in a diverse work placement through PROJECT Search, gaining experience at Swindon Borough Council. From supporting campus operations to hospitality at Lydiard Park and the grounds team at Coate Water, Dylan developed a wide range of practical skills and built confidence in different work environments.
How did you feel about starting PROJECT Search?
"I was quite nervous to begin with as I wasn't sure what my placements were going to be like. I was aware that the programme was there to get me into work, and that placements would be offered. I was interested by what I could do and meeting new people"
What did you learn on PROJECT Search?
- To get the bus independently using the bus
- How to work within a team & stay focused on the tasks I've been given
What have been the highlights?
"I think definitely the placement have been a highlight. I've enjoyed meeting new people. I enjoyed doing the post every day because it was interesting to know what the different departments were in the council."
Who was your favourite mentor & why?
"I enjoyed working with Lee, because he showed me how to work with the post, and that was something I very much enjoyed doing. Steve and Sikora where also people who helped me with this."
Bobby's story
Bobby Courtley's completed a varied and hands-on work placement through PROJECT Search at the Great Western Hospital. His rotation across the Estates department, Post Room, Academy Reception, and Bookends cafeteria gave him the opportunity to build practical skills, grow in confidence, and explore different types of work within a busy hospital environment.
How did you feel about starting PROJECT Search?
"I was excited to start this internship, I finally felt like I could make an impact on my community. I definitely felt a bit nervous, as stepping into the work place felt quite jarring"
What did you learn on PROJECT Search?
- People with disabilities are capable of working, they just need encouragement & support to get there
- Working hard, being resilient & making a good impression shows a good work ethic
What have been the highlights?
"My biggest highlight are successfully landing a job in bookends and forming relationships with my classmates and colleagues. It felt amazing watching my hard work pay off over the past 9 months and thanks to all the great people I've worked with I've completely blossomed"
Who was your favourite mentor & why?
"My most memorable mentor is John in the post room, we always have a good laugh together and he always took my mistakes and turned them into banter. I have enjoyed being mentored by the team in the bookends cafe."
Wilf's story
Wilf completed a work placement through PROJECT Search at the Great Western Hospital, gaining experience across the IT department, Post Room, and Switchboard. Each rotation gave Wilf the chance to build technical and communication skills, while learning how different teams contribute to the smooth running of a busy hospital.
How did you feel about starting PROJECT Search?
"Intrigued to see the different types of roles there could be throughout the year. I felt slightly nervous about how I will be able to get round the hospital because of how big it is I thought it would be difficult but I was able to learn how to get round the hospital and the different rules very quickly"
What did you learn on PROJECT Search?
- Customer service skills
- The ability to approach new colleagues more easily
- How equipment is moved and stored
What have been the highlights?
"The highlights of my year were meeting my placements and getting good after a lot of time in the plcaement as it felt rewarding. Getting to know the system and layout of a hospital as it's really interesting and insightful. Seeing how many departments are interested in having me work for them"
Who was your favourite mentor & why?
"I would say John as we explains everything very well and has a very effective way of teaching."
Could a supported internship be right for you?
A supported internship can help you learn new skills, feel confident, and achieve your dreams—just like Palvinder. Talk to your school, college, or local authority to find out what’s available near you and start your journey today!
*What are supported internships?
Supported internships are work-based training programmes for young people with additional needs, designed to help them gain skills and confidence for paid jobs. These programmes combine workplace experience with tailored support, such as job coaches.
How to get involved
To join a supported internship, contact your school, college, or local authority to explore available options. These programmes are typically for young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Some pilots also accept those without an EHCP. Your education provider or a job coach can guide you to the right programme and support you through the process.
Learn more about Supported Internships
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Contact Details
Internships Work
Email: InternshipsWork@ndti.org.uk