This summer, we’re celebrating the incredible achievements of young people across South Wales who have completed their Supported Internship programmes — and what a journey it’s been!
Delivered in partnership with Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Sir Gâr, Coleg Gwent, and DFN Project SEARCH with Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board at Merthyr College and Bridgend College, these programmes have helped young people with learning disabilities and/or autism gain real-world work experience, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward employment.
Across hospital wards, university labs, cafés, construction sites, and college campuses, interns have embraced new challenges, grown in independence, and discovered their potential in the workplace. Over the year, they shaped their own development through person-centred planning, learned to travel independently, and built lasting friendships.
In Their Own Words
Leo, a Cardiff and the Vale College graduate, reflected on the learning curve of fast-paced work. Things were = a challenge at first, but became second nature as he gained experience:
“While working at the project is that I got to do most of the work myself, like filling in spreadsheets at Esole.”
At Coleg Gwent, Alex shared how the internship helped him overcome personal barriers linked to a lack of confidence and self belief:
“This has helped me to work independently, build my colleagues’ trust and be able to realise I can do it. Makes me feel I can do things, realise where I would like to work and added work skills so I can show this in my CV."
Jess, a graduate at Bridgend College, shared how the programme helped her grow:
“The reason why I joined Project Search was to gain more understanding of work, more confidence in myself, get more work experience so that I would be ready to get a paid job and become more independent. I have always wanted a paid job because I want to make my own money and have something to do after finishing college. One day I even want to have my own house and family.
I started an external placement in May in Bryn Y Cae Residential Home in Brackla where I worked as a cleaner. I learned to clean the residents rooms… I also learned how to walk from my house to the residential home, which I do now all on my own. This has made me
feel more confident about going out on my own and I now take my dog Pip out for walks on my own.”
Oliver found creative ways to succeed:
“I struggle with reading and writing but by using my phone for dictation and typing instead of writing I can cope with most everyday things. I am able to take a pile of letters and parcels and sort them into the correct pigeon hole or sack ready for delivery to the right people.”
Positive Outcomes
The 2025 graduates have gone on to achieve numerous positive outcome, including employment, volunteering, supported apprenticeships, or working toward a qualification— all opportunities they may not have accessed without taking part in the Supported Internship programme.
A Huge Congratulations
To every intern — your hard work, growth, and achievements are something to be truly proud of. And to the staff, mentors, and partners who supported them every step of the way: thank you for making this possible.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented young people!