Supported Internships

Supported internships are designed to help young adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Conditions enter the world of work. Taking place over one academic year, an intern is immersed into a work place, full time. Interns are based at our host business sites although they remain college students throughout.

The aim of Furness College’s internship programme is to ensure each intern gains competitive and transferable skills so that at the end of the year the intern can secure a full time, integrated employment.

DFN Project SEARCH is an international supported internship scheme that provides specialist support and learning so that, just like other young adults,  interns can develop the skills, confidence and belief to find and secure a job.

The programme is a partnership between

• Furness College
• DFN Project SEARCH
• Westmorland and Furness Council
• Cumberland Council
• Supported Employment Agency
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Inspira
• And, of course, a host business.

Furness College runs two supported internships with key local employers who want to tap into this hidden talent pool of young adults.

• University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust
• BAE Systems Submarines LTD

An internship is a one year full time programme, based in the host business along with college staff and a job coach. So for 5 days per week from 9am – 4pm interns are immersed in work. A lesson takes place every morning from 9-10am to deliver employability skills and workplace training.

Interns must be aged 18-24 and have a current Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)

There are no formal entry requirements but your place must be commissioned by the local authority. You must also be highly motivated and have a desire to secure a job after the programme concludes.

BAE Systems specific requirements: Many roles working for BAE Systems will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation. Occupational Health clearance

UHMBT specific requirements – Occupational Health clearance and required vaccinations determined by the work placements, clear DBS check.

Career opportunities

There is a likelihood that successful completion of the programme could lead to paid employment with the NHS. It is a real opportunity to show your skills and abilities to an employer.

How to apply: 

Download and complete the application form: Application Form 2025_26

Completed forms to be returned to Student Services at Channelside campus, Bessemer Way, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PJ.

If you are unable to download the form, please contact Student Services to request an application pack: student.services@furness.ac.uk, 01229 825017.

Useful links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weap2ii8lws short film overview of the programme within the NHS

https://www.dfnprojectsearch.org/ charity website

For more information contact internships@furness.ac.uk 

Follow us on our social media channels:

Twitter –  @dfn_FGH

Facebook  – Project Search Furness General Hospital

Instagram –  @project_search_fgh