Young people with learning disabilities celebrate graduation success
Seven young people with learning disabilities and autism have graduated from the DFN Project SEARCH programme! The programme is run in partnership with Kirklees Council and Kirklees College.
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 where they received huge applause, tears, and chuckles.
DFN Project SEARCH is a transition to work programme for students with learning disabilities and autism. The programme has ambitions to get 10,000 young people into full-time paid jobs over the next decade.
Following the programme, we project that over 75 per cent of the first cohort of interns will successfully transition into sustained employment. Most interns already securing employment and the remainder having interviews in place.
Nationally, the number of adults with learning disabilities in paid employment has fallen to 5 per cent. The rate in Kirklees is 11 per cent.
The success of the programme in Kirklees has gained international recognition. It has been recognised for the success of its applicants and partnership working with Kirklees being singled out for its great success at the international Project SEARCH conference in Baltimore.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council:
“Huge congratulations are in order for our Project SEARCH interns who graduated on Friday.
“It’s been such a pleasure to welcome the interns to the council, but we are equally excited to wish them well on the next steps in their employment journey.
“We want to give all young people in Kirklees the best start in life – that means being there for them, however and whenever they need us. Project SEARCH has given us the opportunity to welcome young people with learning disabilities and help them achieve their potential.
“It is a shining example of what individuals can achieve when they are given the space to grow, and the skills and confidence they need to achieve their ambitions. The project has been such a success in Kirklees that we have gained international recognition.
“I’m proud to say that we will be continuing the Project SEARCH programme which we look forward to growing in the future, and I encourage any students or businesses that have been inspired to get involved.”
On the graduation ceremony, The Mayor of Kirklees Councillor Masood Ahmed said:
“It was a proud moment to hear about all the work and the collaboration that has gone into making this project happen.
“It is fantastic to know that the council as the host employer has played a part in the development of the interns and given them vital employment skills for the future.
“Many people from managers, mentors, onsite training teams as well as family members have all made this possible.
“All of the interns who graduated showed great dedication in their roles and they have grasped this opportunity and I would like to wish them all the very best in their future careers.”
Polly Harrow, Assistant Principal for Student Experience 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.”
Do you want to get involved?
Young people who would like to take part in the programme must be between 18-24 and with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC). More information can be found from the Kirklees Local Offer or by contacting C+K Careers.
If you’re a business owner or manager and are interested in hosting an intern in your team contact Job Coach Lucy at Lucy.McCarthy@kirklees.gov.uk, or Kate at Kate.Deakin@kirklees.gov.uk