Kirklees Together

Exceptional young people with learning disabilities or autism celebrated their graduation at a special event held at Kirklees College’s Huddersfield Centre.

The interns graduating from the DFN Project SEARCH programme each received their certificates in front of family, friends and special guests.

Guest speakers included Steve Mawson, Chief Executive of Kirklees Council and Shauna Coyle, Head of People Services.

Also in attendance to celebrate the interns’ achievements were the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Nosheen Dad, Pauline Hughes – Vice Principal of Quality and Student Experience at Kirklees College and Alys Tregear – Curriculum Director at the college.

This year’s interns completed placements with the council as well other local employers such Cedar Court Hotel, The Kirkwood and Oxfam.

Max, one of the interns graduating, said:

“I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and everyone was supportive and this helped my confidence. I have definitely changed since completing Project SEARCH, I feel more confident speaking to new people, writing emails, speaking on the phone and travelling to new places.”

Interns who successfully completed the programme this year have moved into employment with the NHS, White Rose Gardens and volunteering with Oxfam. Those still looking for jobs will continue to receive support from the council’s Real Employment service.

Councillor Tyler Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate said:

“I’m immensely proud of the inspirational young people who have taken part and graduated from Project SEARCH. Their hard work and commitment has paid off and they’ve learnt valuable skills which stand them in good stead as they enter the job market.

“I’d like to thank the council services, our partners in Kirklees College and REAL Employment, supportive local employers like The Kirkwood, Cedar Court and Oxfam and all the individuals who work behind the scenes who made this possible. I’d also like to thank the families and friends of interns who’ve been with them every step of the way.

“Our young people should never feel held back and, with the skills they’ve learnt along the way from Project SEARCH, they won’t be. Most of all, it’s the life skills they have picked up – to be determined, overcome obstacles and never be afraid to put yourself out there when you’re pursuing a career. These are the skills which will allow them to meet their next employer with confidence and any employer who does hire one of our graduates will gain a huge asset to their business.

“I wish all our graduates the very best of luck and success as they put all they’ve learned into practice in new employment or whatever exciting endeavours they go onto do.”

About Project SEARCH

The 12-month Project SEARCH internship programme is made possible through a collaboration between the council, Kirklees College and REAL Employment.

The programme offers young people aged 18 to 24, with learning disabilities or autism, the chance to explore various work areas, learning skills and behaviours that support their transition from education into competitive employment.

More information about the programme can be found on the Kirklees Local Offer website: Project SEARCH