// our training program
Project SEARCH provides comprehensive training and career preparation.
You must apply to become a Project SEARCH intern. Your training takes place entirely at a local champion business called a “host business”. You are guided by a teacher, skills trainers and workplace mentors. When you are motivated to prepare for employment, you thrive at Project SEARCH with high expectations, personalized instruction and continuous feedback. You grow to meet workplace standards for conduct and performance.
Successful candidates who join Project SEARCH will:
- Participate in a variety of work experiences within the host business during three 10 week internships over 10 months.
- Build transferable job-specific and employability skills.
- Learn from individualized teaching, coaching and feedback.
- Become independent and confident at work.
- Link to employment support and other service agencies for your career next steps.
Each Project SEARCH site has its own eligibility criteria and application procedures. For more information, connect to a site in your area.
Collaboration is key
Each Project SEARCH site involves local collaborating organizations. This may include an educational partner, developmental service organization, employment service provider organization as well as the host business. Braiding the expertise and the funding streams ensures a smooth and effective transition from school to work.
Watch Project SEARCH model video
Learn more about the Project SEARCH model by exploring the home Project SEARCH site and watching the overview video.
Project SEARCH programs are developed through a licensing and training agreement with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Starting a new program requires building local collaborations and months of implementation planning.
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- 1996 – Project SEARCH launches at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996. Now it’s Project SEARCH Headquarters.
- 2011 – SCE LifeWorks starts the first Canadian Project SEARCH program in Manitoba.
- 2017 – The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) and SCE LifeWorks introduce Project SEARCH as an innovative best practice to Ontario.
- 2019/20 – Two Ontario Project SEARCH programs start at Halton Healthcare and UHN / Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto).
- 2025/26 – Now there are 30 Canadian Project SEARCH programs in 24 communities.
Project SEARCH’s growth in Canada
Designed for youth who have disabilities
Project SEARCH was designed to train young adults who:
- Have disabilities that affect learning and/or communication.
- Can benefit from personalized training during an intensive academic year of career development and internship experience.
Each Project SEARCH site has its own eligibility criteria and application procedures. For more information, connect to a site in your area.