On Friday 13 September, in a graduation ceremony at Kirklees College’s Huddersfield Centre, five of this year’s Project SEARCH interns celebrated completing the specialist work programme.
Project SEARCH is a bespoke internship programme for students with learning disabilities aged 18-24. It is a partnership between the college, Kirklees Council and is licenced by DFN Project Search.
The supported internships are provided by the Kirklees Council as the host employer and the programme seeks to not only support young people through their internship, but to also support them in securing a job, building confidence and gaining independence. This year’s interns have completed placements with Kirklees Council as well other local employers such Cedar Court Hotel, Kirkwood Hospice and Oxfam.
The Mayor for Kirklees, Nosheen Dad, attended at the ceremony, alongside Pauline Hughes, Vice Principal of Quality and Student Experience, Alys Tregear, Curriculum Director, Julia Farrar, Curriculum Area Manager for Foundation Learning and the tutors, families and friends of the graduates.
Kirklees College students catered the event, which took place in the college’s Landings 72 restaurant. Attendees were treated to an array of light bites and mocktails.
When speaking to the interns, Mayor of Kirklees Nosheen Dad said:
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so special. For many years now, Project SEARCH has transformed the lives of young people. I want to wish all the interns the very best of luck for the future. The world really is your oyster and you have just proven, as a part of Project SEARCH, nothing is impossible for anybody so please go out there and aim for everything your heart wishes.”
Two interns were invited up to speak about their experience while on the Project SEARCH programme. One of the interns Max commented:
“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.”
Click here to find out more about Project SEARCH, or head to Local Offer Project Search: https://www.kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk/information-and-advice/getting-a-job/project-search/