Specialist internship in Derbyshire on the search for new applicants
A successful internship programme at Gulliver’s Kingdom Theme Park aimed at supporting young people in Derbyshire with disabilities to find employment is opening up to new recruits for 2026.
DFN Project SEARCH is a transition to work programme committed to transforming the lives of young adults aged between 16 and 24 who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
In June 2023, Project SEARCH formed an Intern programme at Gulliver’s Kingdom, in Matlock Bath, bringing together the theme park as host business, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP).
Last year, the partnership expanded so the interns could maximise their learning and have more opportunities by spending half their week at Gulliver’s Kingdom and half at Lea Green Learning and Development Centre, which is part of Derbyshire County Council.
Over the last two years, nine interns have completed the course and applied for jobs at Gulliver’s Kingdom, with seven successfully gaining seasonal work at the resort.
As well as the having an education tutor and specialist Job Coach support provided during the internship, DEBP provide follow on job coaching support, funded via Access to Work, for those who secure employment as a result of the internship. This is to ensure that the complexities around navigating the transition from intern employee are fully supported for both the individual and the employer.
Hannah Marsden, resort manager at Gulliver’s Kingdom, said: "We are delighted to be part of this exciting internship programme alongside Lea Green which really puts the interns at the heart of the initiative, so they receive personalised support to get the skills needed to gain employment.
“At Gulliver’s Kingdom our interns have worked in various departments, including the hotel, catering, retail, and on the rides which have given them a wide range of experiences and opportunities. It has been lovely to see their confidence grow throughout their time with us.
“We’re so pleased to be continuing with the programme for another year and are now looking to receive applications from anyone interested to be part of our 2026 intake. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to find out more.”
Helen Hazelhurst from DACES said: “DACES want to offer the life-changing experiences of this programme to more local young people with EHCPs. If you are ready to move into work, please contact us to take your next step.”
DFN Project SEARCH is now looking for new interns to start in September 2026. If you are aged 18-24 with an EHCP and would like to visit the project or attend an open day please complete this form https://forms.office.com/e/jNvefAeSZt or read more on: www.localoffer.derbyshire.gov.uk/preparing-for-adulthood/post-16-education-and-training/supported-internships/supported-internships.aspx
Gulliver’s Kingdom is aimed at children aged between two and 13 and is one of four theme park resorts in the Gulliver’s family – alongside Gulliver’s World in Warrington, Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes, and Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham.