Colleagues from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and Siemens Mobility recently visited DFN Project SEARCH interns at their placements, highlighting the programme’s positive impact on young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Supported Internship scheme aims to equip young adults with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions with employability skills through job rotations in Siemens Mobility’s Components Facility, warehousing, administration and facilities maintenance.
At Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village, intern Byron welcomed the Group as part of his placement working with its Reception Team – sharing how the experience has boosted his customer service, IT and communication skills.
The visit included a tour of Siemens Mobility’s new plant, which produces the tube trains for the world-famous Piccadilly Line.
Train enthusiast Linden completed his first rotation managing inventory for train component repairs and has since moved to the Facilities Management Team, undertaking cleaning and waste management. Intern Leon is enjoying a placement within Siemens Mobility’s Components Facility.
Milena, an intern in Administration, said:
“I joined DFN Project SEARCH to gain new skills and experiences to strengthen my CV. I’m always learning, and my interpersonal skills and confidence have improved massively.”
Milena in her placement with the Siemens Mobility’s Administration Team
Following a successful Catering Team placement, intern Lucy is now considering a career in hospitality and catering.
Mark Speed, General Manager of Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village said:
“As part of Siemens Mobility’s mission to transform rail travel in the UK, we are proud to continue our work with DFN Project SEARCH and the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to demonstrate the talents that young people with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions can bring to the workplace.”
Lisa Macdonald, Group Executive Director for Curriculum & Quality Standards at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:
"It was a pleasure to visit Siemens Mobility’s Rail Village and see the great progress of our interns. Siemens Mobility has created an inclusive environment where interns can develop and thrive, enabling them to gain valuable personal and employability skills. This is a true success of the Project SEARCH programme and how it can transform the lives of those with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions."
Linden (right) explaining how he’s benefitted from the programme to Lisa MacDonald (left) and Craig Beech, Operations Manager at Siemens Mobility (middle
Linden recently made history by participating in the first-ever Youth Parliament for young people with SEND.
During the event on National Supported Internship Day, which was held at West Minster, he highlighted the challenges of accessing disability passes for public transport, which affects his ability to get to work. Linden also met with over 70 MPs at Portcullis House to share his internship experience and discuss the barriers faced by individuals with SEND or autism.
Kirsty Matthews, CEO DFN Project SEARCH said:
“At DFN Project SEARCH, we are proud to work with forward-thinking organisations like Siemens Mobility and the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, who are demonstrating the life-changing impact of supported internships. By equipping young people with real-world skills and experiences, we are enabling them to build bright, independent futures.”
DFN Project SEARCH bridges the gap between education and employment for young people with SEND, building skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce.
Designed for those aged 18-24 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), the programme provides real-world experience supported by a Tutor and Job Coach whilst also strengthening English and Maths skills.
Siemens Mobility will offer supported internships in 2025 and those who are interested can get in touch at
Find out more about the programme, here.