Seven young people with learning disabilities and autism have graduated from the DFN Project SEARCH programme run in partnership with Kirklees College and Kirklees Council.
Project SEARCH provides young people with a learning disability and/or autism the opportunity to gain the skills needed in a real work environment and achieve paid employment. Project Search finds young people aged 18-24, in their last year of education, whose talents may be overlooked in the job market, and matches their skills to roles within a business.
The graduates received their certificates in front of their family and rotation managers. Three interns also stood up to address the room and give speeches about their time with Project SEARCH.
Following the programme, Kirklees Council project that over 75 per cent of the first cohort of interns will successfully transition into sustained employment, with four out of the seven interns already securing paid employment.
Polly Harrow, Assistant Principal for Student Experience at Kirklees College said:
“I am so proud of the incredible partnership we have with Project SEARCH, who help us to provide a phenomenal programme for our brilliant students at Kirklees College.
“The team at Project SEARCH allow us to make such a difference to the lives of the students who really deserve it. Our students are graduating with confidence, support and transferable skills which will help them make the most out of their future. Well done to all the students and staff involved with Project SEARCH.”
Young people who would like to get involved must be between 18-24 with an Education Health and Care Plan. More information can be found on the Kirklees Local Offer website or by contacting C+K Careers.
Business owners or managers that are interested in hosting an intern can contact Job Coaches Lucy McCarthy or Kate Deakin for more information: Lucy.McCarthy@kirklees.gov.uk, Kate.Deakin@kirklees.gov.uk.
