A new supported internship programme will be launched by the Council in partnership with DFN Project Search and Redcar and Cleveland College, aimed at helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities take their first steps into their future careers.
The Council will become a host employer for the DFN Project Search programme, a nationally recognised initiative that provides a structured, nine-month school-to-work internship for students aged 18–24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The programme combines classroom-based learning, career exploration, and hands-on work experience, and will run for a full academic year from September 2025 to July 2026.
Working closely with DFN Project Search and the Council’s Children and Families SEN Team, Redcar & Cleveland College has been appointed as the education partner for the programme.
Nine interns have been offered placements across a wide range of Council services, including: Museum Services, Highways, Streetscene, ERP Systems, Electrical Services, Kirkleatham Hall School, Youth and Community/Family Hub, Facilities Management and IT.
When asked how they feel about starting their placements, the young people said:
"I am excited and motivated to start."
"A bit nervous because it's new, but still looking forward to it."
"I feel nervous. However, I feel that it will give me good experience in a work environment and it allows me to see a variety of different opportunities for employment."
"I feel good about starting my Supported Internship because I am looking forward to doing my placement in a school, which is what I wanted."
"I'm worried about it because it is something that I've never done before."
"I'm just nervous about starting in the workplace."
"I am nervous but I feel it will help me to get a job."
"I feel positive because I enjoy hands on work."
"I feel confident because I'm going to learn lots."
An official launch event took place on Monday 15 September 2025, hosted by Redcar & Cleveland College, and attended by representatives from the Council, the College, and DFN Project Search, as well as the future interns.
Cllr Alec Brown, The Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in our borough to gain real-world experience, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive in the workplace. We are proud to be working with DFN Project Search and Redcar & Cleveland College to deliver a programme that promotes inclusion and opens doors for those who may face additional challenges. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the interns, their families, and our wider community.”
Gillian Hutchinson, Redcar and Cleveland College’s head of department, The King’s Trust, said: “Supported internships are a great way of developing the employability skills of young people with an EHCP. Direct experience gained in the workplace will not only enhance their future career prospects but also develop valuable life skills including confidence, resilience and independence.
“The supported internship is being delivered by Redcar and Cleveland College’s King’s Trust department and the learners will work towards a nationally recognised King’s Trust Certificate in Personal Development and Employability.
“We are pleased to be working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and DFN Project Search to bring these exciting opportunities to the interns and look forward to supporting them through the programme and seeing their progress.”
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “I'm delighted to see Redcar and Cleveland Council join our growing network of Project SEARCH host employers. Their commitment to providing work experience across such a diverse range of services, from museums to IT to youth services, shows a genuine understanding of how varied our interns' talents and interests can be. What excites me most is hearing directly from these nine young people about their hopes, and natural nervousness, as they take this next step toward independence and employment. We're incredibly grateful to have partners like the Council who recognize that investing in young people with SEND isn't just about giving them opportunities - it's about unlocking potential that benefits the entire community.”