NHS Project SEARCH graduates celebrate success | News

Pictured: (above) Lilly Price, Project SEARCH graduate, (below) Ismael Amghar, Project SEARCH graduate and Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison

Interns, families and partners from across Wakefield and Kirklees came together last week to celebrate the achievements of young people graduating from the Project SEARCH programme.

This year's cohort of 18 Project SEARCH interns, enrolled through Wakefield College and Kirklees College, undertook one-year placements across a variety of departments at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, including ultrasound, IT, catering and pathology.

The programme provides young people with learning disabilities with valuable workplace experience, helping them develop skills, confidence and independence while preparing them for future employment.

Two graduation ceremonies were held during the day, celebrating the hard work, dedication and progress demonstrated by the interns across both Pinderfields and Dewsbury Hospital sites. The events were attended by the Mayor of the City of Wakefield Metropolitan District, Councillor Brian Moorhouse, and the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, who congratulated the graduates on their achievements and wished them every success for the future.

Speaking at the event, intern Lilly Price said: "I've always wanted to work in the NHS, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after college.

Project SEARCH has helped me become more confident, resilient and determined.

I've gained valuable experience in healthcare, met amazing people and it has confirmed that a career in the NHS is exactly where I want to be."

Project SEARCH continues to make a positive difference by supporting graduates beyond the programme, helping to ensure long-term success in employment.

If you or someone you know could benefit from taking part in the programme, visit www.midyorks.nhs.uk/project-search for more information about how to apply.