Project SEARCH Internship

A supported pathway to gain valuable skills & career prospects

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Project SEARCH Employment Program Internship at the University of Wollongong
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Project SEARCH is an internationally recognised employment program supporting young adults with disability aged 17–30 with NDIS funding to get work experience – building skills & confidence required for employment opportunities. 

The Disability Trust partners with reputable host employers, to provide interns with real-world workplace training, supported by experienced job coaches, with the goal of progressing participants into open, paid employment. 

About The Project SEARCH Internship

Real workplaces. Real skills. Real outcomes. 

The Project SEARCH Internship is a 9-month, unpaid, supported workplace program delivered in a real employment setting. Participants complete three workplace rotations, developing practical, transferable skills while building confidence, routine and independence. 

The internship is suited to young adults who are ready to commit to a structured workplace environment and want to work toward employment. 

Key outcomes include: 

  • Strong workplace habits and routines 

  • Improved communication and teamwork 

  • Increased independence and confidence 

  • Practical experience valued by employers 

  • Preparation for open, paid employment 

Around 75% of Project SEARCH graduates move into paid work

New Opportunity

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More than linen — skills that transfer across industries 

Apply Now: HealthShare NSW Linen Services

Project Search Internship📍Port Kembla NSW

Commencing Early 2026

The Project SEARCH internship with HealthShare NSW Illawarra Linen Services offers participants the opportunity to train in a large-scale, industrial, government workplace that supports hospitals and health services across NSW. 

While linen services may not sound exciting at first, this environment develops highly transferable skills that are in demand across many industries. 

Participants learn: 

  • Department specific skillsets
  • Teamwork and communication 
  • Workplace processes and systems
  • Time management and quality control
  • Workplace safety and policies
  • Production targets, workflows and logistics 

Transferrable skills into: 

  • Warehousing and logistics 

  • Manufacturing and production 

  • Hospitality and food services 

  • Cleaning and facilities management 

  • Retail and stock handling 

  • Health and community services 

HealthShare NSW in partnership with The Disability Trust offers a structured environment that helps participants build confidence by proving they can contribute, keep pace and succeed in a real workplace.  

Register Your Interest Here!

Ongoing support

All Project SEARCH internships are supported by dedicated job coaches who work alongside participants and employers to: 

  • Break down tasks 
  • Support communication and problem-solving 
  • Build confidence and independence 
  • Ensure safety and wellbeing 
  • Prepare participants for future employment opportunities

Ready to get started?

Ready to take the next step? 

If you’re interested in Project SEARCH: 

  • Explore the internship information above 
  • Consider whether the Job Ready Employment Program is the right place to start 
  • Register your interest to discuss suitability and next steps 
Project Search UOW Internship

Success Stories with Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH Takes Off at UOW Pulse

A powerful new partnership between UOW Pulse, The Disability Trust, and Project SEARCH is creating...

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Project SEARCH launches at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

On Wednesday, 26 March, The Disability Trust proudly launched its newest Project SEARCH program in...

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Skills Building for Work Experience and Career Opportunities

Not quite ready for the internship?

Try the new 6-week Job Ready Employment Program first 

We understand that some young people need more time to build confidence, routine or foundational skills before stepping into a 9-month workplace internship. 

The Job Ready Employment Program is a short theory-based structured workshop designed to help young adults develop essential job-ready and life skills, and to explore whether a Project SEARCH internship may be the right next step.  

It is designed as a supported opportunity to build skills, confidence and readiness. 

For Businesses: Partner with Project SEARCH

Foster Inclusivity. Strengthen culture. Create opportunity.

Project SEARCH partners with employers to deliver supported internships for young adults with disability, creating inclusive employment pathways while delivering real business benefits. 

By becoming a Project SEARCH host, your organisation gains access to motivated talent, ongoing support, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

Why host a Project SEARCH internship? 

  • Access motivated, job-ready talent
  • Strengthen workplace culture 
  • Increase employee engagement
  • Enhance your reputation 
  • Improve recruitment practices 
  • Deliver real business outcomes 

Support included 

Employers are supported by dedicated Project SEARCH job coaches who work alongside your team to support interns and ensure positive outcomes. 

Interested in partnering with Project SEARCH? 

If your organisation would like to host interns or learn more about becoming a Project SEARCH partner, we’d love to talk. 

embarc Employment

If your organisation would like to host interns or learn more about becoming a Project SEARCH partner, we’d love to talk. 

Enquire Now →

Project SEARCH Internship Host Partners

Enquire now


Indigenous Culture mark

The Disability Trust acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we provide services. We recognise the strength and intergenerational resilience of Elders and honour the culture and knowledge of community leaders past, present and emerging.

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