University of Aberdeen

Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen is a one year Internship programme supporting up to 12 young people per year with additional needs to gan skills and experience to go on to employment. It is a collaboration between the University of Aberdeen, Inspire (Partnership Through Life), North East Scotland College, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council.

Project SEARCH Interns undertake 3 internships/work placements over the year in a variety of departments across the University.  It is the normal expectation that by the time Interns graduate, they will have achieved a vocational qualification and have over 800 hours of work experience on their CV.

Since the programme was established in September 2013, 23 graduates are now in employment in various organisations within the public, private and third sectors across the North East.

In November 2015, the ‘Interns Into Employment’ toolkit was launched to support local businesses in employing Project SEARCH graduates.  The toolkit seeks to dispel some of the myths and overcome some of the obstacles facing the Interns in finding work by providing support to prospective employers e.g. interview ‘tips’, examples of reasonable adjustments, financial incentives etc.

Applications to join the programme are invited each year between December and March, with Open Days for prospective applicants advertised on the Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen website.

Application forms are available online or from members of the University of Aberdeen. The deadline for the receipt of applications for Session 2017/18 is 17 March 2017.

Employers’ Toolkit can be accessed here.