Swindon interns gain workplace skills thanks to Project SEARCH and Vygon UK
A series of interactive workshops are helping young people with learning disabilities and autism to prepare for the world of work, thanks in part to Swindon-based medical device manufacturer, Vygon UK.
The sessions form part of DFN Project SEARCH, a nationally-recognised, one-year transition-to-work programme delivered at host businesses and local organisations. The initiative provides full-time internships for young adults aged 18–24 with learning disabilities and autism, combining real workplace experience with daily employability training and job-coaching support.
In Wiltshire, Swindon Borough Council is one of the project’s host employers, giving interns the chance to gain hands-on experience across departments such as IT, Adult Community Learning, Neighbourhood Wardens and more. Over the academic year, the interns rotate through three placements, building practical skills. These range from troubleshooting laptops and preparing learner packs, to carrying out fire safety checks and supporting vulnerable residents. Alongside this, they receive daily employability training and a designated job coach.
Local employers play a vital role by delivering specialist sessions, with Vygon UK contributing three dedicated workshops. The first, Expectations of an employer and their employees, explored the often unspoken norms of the workplace and what interns should expect from their managers and colleagues. These expectations are commonly assumed knowledge for neurotypical individuals but can present additional challenges for young people with learning disabilities or autism. The second session focused on Dignity at work, covering bullying, harassment, and dress code, with a third workshop planned for the new year.
“The interns are loving Vygon’s workshops,” says Lucy Atkins, Job Coach at Swindon Borough Council. “Hearing directly from employers makes a huge difference. The Vygon team are incredibly hands-on and supportive, including bringing medical devices and equipment to make the sessions interactive. For our interns, who often learn best through practical activities, this approach is invaluable.”
Three members of Vygon’s team have worked together to run the sessions at Swindon Civic Centre: Demand Management Team Leader Lindsay Gutteridge, HR Manager Andria Thomas, and Learning and Development Manager Alain Vix.
“It’s a joy to meet and support local young people who face additional challenges entering the workforce,” says Alain.
“It is really important to me and my colleagues, to help the interns find meaning and fulfilment in the work they do. As part of our workshops we showcased some of the medical devices we make – these included intensive care monitors, catheters and neonatal products – to illustrate the role we play in the healthcare system and most importantly, the end goal of improving people’s health. It was great to see their positive reaction to our products and services.
“We have really enjoyed being involved with Project SEARCH and look forward to our next workshop in the New Year.”
Since launching in Swindon in 2023, Project SEARCH internships are now hosted at Swindon Borough Council, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Amazon, with many interns going on to secure paid employment.
Lucy concludes: “Half of last year’s cohort from Swindon Borough Council are now in work. One has even stayed on with the council, supporting local adults with disabilities. We continue to offer job search support for six months once the internship ends, this may include interview prep, application development or even shopping for interview clothes with them. Project SEARCH is such a valuable part of our local offer and we’re incredibly thankful to companies like Vygon for their support.”
If you’d like to learn more about DFN Project Search, whether you’re a business keen to meet the DFN Project Search interns or a parent or guardian wanting more information, please get in touch at ProjectSearch@swindon.gov.uk
