A 'lifetime opportunity' for young disabled people | News

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A 'lifetime opportunity' for young disabled people

Project Search team

Earlier this year, the sixth Project SEARCH cohort since its launch in 2017, started their internship at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Project SEARCH helps young people aged 17 – 25 with learning disabilities gain the skills they need to get meaningful paid jobs.

During their time on the programme, the interns complete a series of rotations in a variety of departments such as Healthcare, Recruitment, Domestics, and the Infusion Unit. They are matched to their placements by talent, ability and interests.

Interns receive support from an on-site job coach and tutor who supports them in placement and helps them to develop an employability plan, CV and write letters to employers.

They also take part in classroom-based learning on topics such as employability skills, social skills and health and safety in the hospital.

Codie - project search intern

Codie (pictured) is currently working as a Healthcare Assistant in the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre. She is supporting the team with a range of patient care needs. Codie has received brilliant feedback from her mentors who describe her as caring and helpful, both on the ward and around the hospital.

Lauren Foster, DFN Project SEARCH Tutor said;

“We are almost at the end of the interns first rotation. All our interns have received fantastic feedback from their mentors and managers.

“We have seen a huge increase in confidence in our interns and I look forward to seeing them develop further in their second rotation.”

Intern Jacob, who is currently working as a patient Porter at Pinderfields Hospital said;

“Project SEARCH is a lifetime opportunity that will help me to find a job”.

Len Richards, Chief Executive of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust said;

“The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is actively building a work environment that’s inclusive as well as diverse and we recognise the importance of our workforce reflecting the communities we serve.

“Far too often people with disabilities are overlooked and this creates inequalities within our workforce that then has a wider adverse impact. I am committed to supporting young people with learning disabilities to get the best start possible in the world of employment.

“In previous years following hard work and graduating from the course, many Project SEARCH interns have secured permanent employment at the Trust. I look forward to seeing these young people progress into fulfilling careers of their choice at the end of the programme.”

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from taking part in the year long programme, visit https://www.midyorks.nhs.uk/project-search/ for more information about applying for 2023.

 

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