Recruitment

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Recruitment

Project SEARCH Session 2025/26

Greetings potential interns!

DFN Project SEARCH is an employability programme for young people (ages 16-24) with learning disabilities or who are on the autism spectrum.

Does the thought of working or applying to a job make you feel nervous? Are you having trouble finding the right job for you? Or would you simply like more experience and qualifications before you take that next step into work?

Whatever your current level of confidence and understanding, you will always be able to get something out of Project SEARCH, which aims to make your transition into the workplace as smooth as possible.

Our recruitment timetable for Session 2025/26 is:

  • December 2024 – Recruitment opens
  • Thursday 6 February 2025 - Open Day
  • Friday 14 March 2025 - Closing Date
  • Week of Monday 24 March 2025 - Invitation to interview letters issued to shortlisted applicants
  • Thursday 17 April 2025 - Interviews

We will be holding an Open Day in the Project SEARCH classroom, Butchart Building, University Road, on Thursday 6 February 2025.   Please come along any time between 10am and 4pm to see round the classroom, meet the team and ask any questions you have about the programme.

Support will also be available to anyone wanting to complete an application form.

For more information on how to apply, see the ‘How to Apply’ panel below.

Further information about Project SEARCH is available in our recruitment Flyer 2025

DFN Project SEARCH has produced a video which features Interns across the UK and Ireland (including some of our Aberdeen Interns) working on their internship.
What does DFN Project SEARCH involve?

DFN Project SEARCH combines a North East Scotland College course that teaches employability skills and independence with a series of three part-time internships in a wide variety of jobs. Graduates will receive a City and Guilds Certificate in Employability Skills as well as additional training qualifications such as Microsoft Office Administration, Manual Handling, First Aid and Food Hygiene. In the workplace, Job Coaches are always happy to provide support to help you build professional skills, learn new tasks and ultimately, source employment in your local area.

Job Coaches will help you find the internships that best suit your skills and job interests. Each internship lasts approximately 10 weeks and allows you to practice writing CVs, cover letters and resignation letters, as well as attend your own practice job interviews. No matter which internships you choose, your day will always begin and end with some class based training where you can complete your City and Guilds coursework, learn new IT skills and talk to your Job Coaches and Lecturers about any questions or concerns you may have.

Interested so far? Here's how to learn more

To find out more information, contact Jim Saunders on 07917 913335 or Ann Brodie on 07786 336761 or contact us at email at: dfnprojectsearchuoa@abdn.ac.uk 

How to apply

To apply to join Project SEARCH in September 2025, please complete the Project Search Application Form 2025 and the Project Search Equal Opportunities Form 2025 and email them both to:

dfnprojectsearchuoa@abdn.ac.uk

Information about the essential and desirable criteria we are looking for in your application is available here: Project Search Eligibility Criteria 2025

You can also return them by post to:

DFN Project SEARCH

Butchart Recreation Centre
University Road
Aberdeen
AB24 3UT

If you have any questions or need help with your application please contact us via email.

Case study

Find out more about a ...

Intern quotes

Do It! It's a brilliant programme and you will learn a lot."

"It's an “all you can work” buffet!"

"It's a good environment to help you get a job."

"I'd recommend it as the staff understand my needs."

"I'd thoroughly recommend it for people who like the classroom and also like being in a workplace."

"It's really good and helpful to get training to get a job."

"I have enjoyed it and learned a lot of new skills."

"It's a fantastic place where you can come and get qualifications to build your confidence to get a future time job."

"It helps you come and experience new skills and get you into work. It's a great way for employers to see how you work."

"It can help you get more qualifications and help with your confidence."

"It's good for providing opportunities. It's a perfect start for getting prepared for work."


North East Scotland College academic calendar

The term dates for the programme will follow the North East Scotland College academic calendar. The calendar is available on the North East Scotland College's website.

Please note that the calendar may be subject to change.

Further information