Stars rise in the East 🌟

Project Search

The Project Search programme was launched in December 2013 with a vision to help and support 17-24 year olds in East Ayrshire who have learning difficulties and/or are on the autistic spectrum to build skills for employment.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran, East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire College and the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD) worked together to launch the programme and provided support throughout to all 30 young people who participated.

During their placement, interns are supported by two part-time instructors from Ayrshire College and a full-time job coach from East Ayrshire Council. The internship involves 800 hours practical experience across various areas of the hospitals in NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

Two students who took part in the process were Sean Poag from Kilmarnock and Dale Garton from Knockentiber. Sean, who is keen to pursue a career in the Catering & Hospitality industry, was given the opportunity to undertake work placements baking in a commercial kitchen , portering, and also carrying out an external placement at the Kilmarnock Campus of Ayrshire College.

Dale has a passion for working in Customer Service & Administration. He descibes his ideal job as being in an office environment but having the ability to work with the public so he can offer service with a smile. During Dale’s time at Project Search he carried out work placements in a pharmacy, theatres, and human resources.

Both Sean and Dale feel taking part in Project Search have allowed them to gain more confidence and are proud to have learned a vast amount of new skills throughout this process.

project search edit.jpg — Project Search Graduates 2016

After completing the programme many of the youngsters have already progressed into permanent employment or further training showing the programme to be extremely beneficial and rewarding. A number of these graduates however are still on their search for employment and need your help.

Could you or your business give these graduates the career opportunity that they need? If so get in touch, email natalie@dywayrshire.com for more information.