What are some reinforcing consequences you can deliver either immediately following a practice session– things that this particular student enjoys, wants, seeks out, etc.?
Are you using labeling and social praise to make the contingency between increasingly independent search behavior and reinforcing consequence clear to the student?
What reinforcing consequences can you arrange that are more naturally or intrinsically connected to this targeted behavior?
One natural consequence of conducting online searches is that (hopefully) the student will locate online applications in vocational areas that interest him. In addition, you might also arrange for the student to take breaks after a period of searching, where he has the opportunity to surf the web, listen to an online music station with headphones, etc.