The amusement park, is the latest establishment to participate in DFN Project SEARCH, a program offering internships to young people from Hounslow with special educational needs. 

DFN Project SEARCH is a one-year transition-to-work initiative designed for young adults facing challenges related to learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, or both. 

Hounslow is part of a network comprising over 100 Project SEARCH sites across the UK. 

The success of the program is evident in the substantial increase in a young person's employability, jumping from a mere 4.8% to an impressive 60%. 

Notably, the council's programs consistently achieve outcomes with over 70% of participants securing full-time paid employment. 

The interns will have the opportunity to blend real-world work experience at Thorpe Park with educational studies at West Thames College in Isleworth. 

Neil Poulter, Divisional Director at Thorpe Park, expressed the park's enthusiasm for collaborating with DFN Project SEARCH. 

He said: "We are delighted to be working alongside DFN Project Search here at Thorpe Park.  

"Having started my Merlin career in the Guest and Park Services department at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in 2005, I then moved across to Thorpe Park in 2007 to join the Guest Services and Security team.  

"Later, after enjoying roles within other departments and attractions, I became Thorpe Park's Operations Director in 2018. 

"I strongly believe that it's the variety of roles, training courses and experiences throughout my career that have been key in leading me into my current role of Divisional Director which I am proud to hold." 

He added: "We applaud the wider aims of Hounslow's Youth, Skills, and Employment Guarantee with its intention to remove barriers and improve outcomes for young people who currently have difficulty accessing skills, training, and employment including those with special educational needs and disability (SEND)."  

Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Education, Children, Skills, and Employment, praised the DFN Project SEARCH as a remarkable program, underlining the outstanding achievements of local youth. 

She said: "DFN Project SEARCH is a fantastic programme, and one our local young people have excelled in.  

"We're delighted that Thorpe Park are on board and pledging their support to our YSEG. 

"They join some of the biggest businesses in the borough and surrounding areas including ourselves, Brentford FC, Heathrow, JC Decaux, Marriot Hotels, University of West London, and West Thames College. 

"The prospect of this alliance designing pathways for all our young people is extremely exciting." 

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