Project SEARCH Internships Launch a Second Round at UOW Pulse

The Disability Trust is proud to celebrate the continued success of Project SEARCH at UOW Pulse, with a second internship cohort now underway following the outstanding achievements of the inaugural program. 

Delivered in partnership with UOW Pulse at the University of Wollongong, Project SEARCH is an employment-focused internship program, empowering young adults with disability to gain real workplace experience, develop job-ready skills and build confidence for future employment. 

A proven pathway to youth employment success 

Following the success of the first UOW Pulse internship launched in July 2025, the latest cohort is now beginning their employment journey. The first group of interns proudly graduated their nine-month program in April 2026 after demonstrating commitment, resilience and growth throughout the program. 

With personalised support, interns strengthened their employability skills, gained industry experience and built confidence for future work. 

The launch of the 2026 program reflects the ongoing commitment between The Disability Trust and UOW Pulse in creating inclusive employment opportunities and supporting young people with disability to achieve their career goals. 

What is Project SEARCH? 

Project SEARCH is a globally recognised transition-to-employment program for young adults with disability. 

Over nine months, interns take part in classroom learning, workplace rotations and coaching within a reputable business. 

This model builds practical skills, professional behaviours and workplace confidence that support long-term employment outcomes. 

Real Workplace Experience at UOW Pulse 

As a non-for-profit service of the University of Wollongong, UOW Pulse provides a diverse and dynamic workplace environment where participants gain exposure to a wide range of industries and career pathways. 

Throughout the internship, interns learn: 

• Department-specific skills and responsibilities 
• Workplace communication and teamwork 
• Time management and quality control 
• Workplace processes and systems 
• Workplace safety procedures and policies 
• Professional workplace expectations 

In each setting, interns contribute to everyday campus operations while applying the skills they are learning. 

Building transferable skills across a range of departments  

One of the key strengths of Project SEARCH at UOW Pulse is the variety of workplace rotations available. Interns have opportunities to build transferable skills across several departments, including: 

• Kids’ Uni: Supporting educational programs and learning environments while developing organisational and communication skills. 
• Aspire, Events, Venues and Catering: Building practical hospitality experience through customer service, food preparation, and venue operations. 
• UniActive: Learning administrative processes, data management, customer service and office-based workplace skills. Assisting in gym, pool, and sports programs for students, staff, and the local community while developing administrative, customer service, and office-based workplace skills. 
• UniBar: Developing hospitality service skills within a busy customer-focused environment. 
• UniShop and Village Grocer: Gaining experience in retail operations, merchandising, stock management, and customer interaction. 
• Facilities Maintenance: Developing practical workplace skills related to property presentation, maintenance support and cleaning operations. 

Together, these rotations help interns identify their strengths, test career interests and build transferable skills across industries. 

Gaining confidence through meaningful work 

What makes Project SEARCH unique is its focus on genuine workplace participation. 

The structured environment at UOW Pulse helps participants build confidence by demonstrating that they can contribute, keep pace and succeed in a real workplace. 

Through hands on workplace experiences, interns strengthen their independence, accountability and resilience. They also learn how to meet employer expectations and succeed in a professional work environment. For many, this This experience becomes a significant stepping stone towards open employment, further training and greater independence. 

Why families choose internships with The Disability Trust

Our Project SEARCH Internships are facilitated by the supportive team of The Disability Trust in collaboration with reputable host employers. They combine structured learning, coaching and workplace immersion to support the transition from education into employment. 

Families value the program because it offers: 

• Real workplace experience in a professional environment 
• A strong focus on employment outcomes 
• Ongoing support from experienced Job Coaches 
• Increased confidence and independence 
• Practical job-readiness and workplace skills 
• Opportunities to build professional networks 
• Exposure to a variety of industries and career pathways 
• Ongoing support after program completion 

The result is greater confidence, independence and readiness to take the next step into work. 

Interested in Project SEARCH Internships? 

If you are a young person with disability, a family member, educator, or employer interested in learning more about Project SEARCH and future internship opportunities, contact The Disability Trust today. 

Together, we’re creating pathways to employment, independence, and lifelong success.