The latest participants of Project Search have successfully graduated in a ceremony held at University Hospital Wishaw.
The project, which is leading the way for young people with a disability and autism, helps its participants to develop confidence and skills.
The project aims to allow participants to learn skills from work experience roles, in order to help them secure employment within the community.
Katie Murphy, lecturer for Project Search at University Hospital Wishaw, said: “Project Search is an employability programme that is run in partnership with New College Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council Supported Employment and NHS Lanarkshire.
“The project runs for an academic year, from August until June. We have eight students every year.
“The students attend employability classes, following a curriculum. These classes are held every morning for approximately an hour. The students then go out and they work on three separate work placements for 12 weeks each.
“The aim is that they learn skills from their roles in the hospital to match up at the end and find jobs in the community.”
This year the three sites have had excellent outcomes and it has been one of the most successful years for the Wishaw site, with all participants graduating having secured employment.
Katie added: “We have had a really successful year. This year in Wishaw, seven completed the course and all seven have a job offer. Most are now working within the hospital with roles including porters and catering assistants.
“The difference in the students when they have completed their course is unbelievable. The parents are also really surprised when they see the difference in their young people. The increase in their confidence is amazing.”
Graduate Jade Weir has secured a role with NHS Lanarkshire as a general porter. Jade said: “When I was in college, my lecturer told me about Project Search. It was near the end of the year and we were to pick our courses for the new term.
“My second placement was in the mail room. It was easier for me to handle. I loved it.
“I didn’t think I could get a job until I came on Project Search. People were judging me about my learning disability and my speech. People would say that I couldn’t get a job because I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“I’m a full time porter. I can cover the mail room, medical records and I really love it.”
Photograph: Project Search graduates from University Hospital Wishaw along with Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, Martin Hill and Professor Jann Gardner, chief executive
