Supporting Inclusive Pathways into Construction: Project Search Internships in Hackney

Posted 15/04/2026

At Higgins Partnerships, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities within the communities we work in. Through our partnership with Project Search and Hackney Council, we have been proud to support young adults with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions through a structured supported internship programme at our Wimbourne Street and Buckland Street developments.

These placements provide valuable, hands-on experience on live construction sites, helping interns build confidence, develop practical skills and take important steps toward long-term employment.

Meet the Interns

Sean - Wimbourne Street

Sean joined the programme with a strong interest in construction, particularly bricklaying. During his placement, he worked closely with the labouring team and site management, supporting day-to-day operations including site maintenance, logistics and communication around deliveries.

Through the support of the team, Sean developed his punctuality, discipline and confidence on site. He embraced the opportunity to learn and has expressed ambitions to continue working in construction, with long-term goals of building a career before potentially joining the British Army.

Tyenell - Buckland Street

Tyenell demonstrated a high level of motivation and adaptability throughout his placement. Working primarily with the site team as a labourer, he supported a range of tasks, including material handling and maintaining a safe and organised site environment.

He developed key workplace skills such as time management, teamwork and task coordination, and showed a strong ability to learn quickly. Tyenell is now looking to build on this experience by pursuing an apprenticeship in trades such as painting, decorating or tiling.

Joel - Wimbourne Street

Joel brought previous community experience into his placement and quickly became a valued member of the team. After gaining his CSCS card, he took on a labouring role, carrying out a variety of site duties and learning the importance of health and safety, communication and teamwork.

While he initially found the physical demands and time management challenging, Joel showed great determination and resilience. With the support of the site team, he improved his discipline and confidence significantly. He now hopes to continue developing his skills within construction, with a particular interest in bricklaying.

Creating Lasting Impact

The success of Sean, Tyenell and Joel highlights the importance of inclusive employment initiatives within the construction industry. By providing structured support, mentoring and real-world experience, programmes like Project Search help break down barriers to employment and create genuine career pathways.

We look forward to supporting more individuals on their journey into construction in the future. These internships not only benefit the individuals involved but also enrich our sites, strengthening our commitment to building inclusive and sustainable communities.