Project SEARCH seeks interns for September

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted: Friday, May 19, 2017 - 20:52

A multi-award winning project that supports young adults with learning disabilities to find and keep paid employment will be holding information events next week about its next course that starts in September.

Project SEARCH is a partnership between Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Pluss, Serco and City College Plymouth who create employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities.

Together they provide work experience opportunities based in Derriford Hospital Plymouth, where they learn the skills that all employers need together with specific skills for individual jobs.

The scheme supports adults aged between 18 and 24 with learning disabilities who live in Plymouth.

They experience three supported internships, mentored by NHS staff, within Derriford Hospital and complete a Level 1 academic course.

In its first six years, 74% of the project’s interns have gone on to achieve paid employment.

Intern Kristian Euniton, who now works in the Radiology Academy, said: “Having paid work means I no longer feel I have to rely on others, I can pay my own way.

“I would recommend anyone to sign up to Project SEARCH, it has changed my life for the better.”

Radiology Academy Manager, Sarah Dunn, commented: “Kris is a real asset to the team enabling us to move a project forward in a very positive way.

“Working with Project SEARCH has reinforced my view that employers should focus on people’s skills and not their limitations.”

Pluss Employment Advisor, Pip Critten, said: “We are immensely proud of our partnership for enabling so many young people with Learning Disabilities to gain paid employment.”

Project SEARCH are now recruiting for their eighth year and are holding information events for students and their families on Thursday 11th May and Friday 12th May.

For further information or to book a place contact Pip Critten on 07771 967804 or 01752 439008.

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