Project SEARCH: Supporting young people into meaningful employment and to live more independently within their communities

Project SEARCH is an innovative work based learning programme for young adults aged 18 to 29 with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions. The programme combines real workplace experience with training in employability and independent living skills, with the goal of helping participants gain and sustain meaningful employment and live more independently within their communities. Applications are now open for the next academic year beginning in August 2026.

Angie Black, Supported Employment Service Manager at Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said: “Every year we see the incredible difference Project SEARCH makes. Young people become more confident and feel rewarded by their employment, and just as importantly, they’re thriving and living more independently within their communities. It’s a unique opportunity, and we’re delighted to support it here in Glasgow.”

Ben’s journey with Project SEARCH
Ben, now a Modern Apprentice with Glasgow City Council, first engaged with the Supported Employment Service in 2022. He joined the DFN Project SEARCH programme delivered in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow Clyde College at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Ben lives at home with his mum and two brothers, both of whom have also engaged with the service and successfully secured employment.

He thrived during the programme, and upon completing it, he secured a six month temporary clerical officer role in the hospital. When the funding for this post ended, the Supported Employment Service worked with Ben to identify his next opportunity.

Building experience through IMAP
The Improved Modern Apprenticeship Programme (IMAP) — a strand of the Supported Employment Service delivered in partnership with service departments across the Glasgow City Council Family — supports young people to gain relevant work experience before applying for a Modern Apprenticeship.

Through IMAP, Ben undertook a placement within Catering and Facilities Management. This proved to be the perfect environment for him to continue building confidence and developing practical skills while working alongside his job coach, applying for jobs and attending interviews.

When a Modern Apprenticeship vacancy with Glasgow City Council became available, Ben applied and was successful, securing a role within Financial Services, Assessor and Electoral Roll Office.

Reflecting on his journey, Ben said: “My time with the Catering and Facilities department helped me in more ways than you can imagine. The work experience helped my communication skills and my confidence increased.”

Since beginning his apprenticeship, Ben has settled into his team and continues to grow both professionally and personally. He shared: “First and foremost my confidence increased in my ability to succeed. My social confidence has improved even more – I was quiet but now I find that I can chat away to my colleagues. My practical skills have improved and I am learning new tasks daily. My team is great and supportive, and my manager is brilliant. I feel I can ask questions if I don’t understand a task, and I’m using my initiative more. I feel like a different person. I’m due to sit my driving test in the next few months and can finally see a future for myself.”

A manager’s perspective
Ben’s manager, Muir McCluskey, has been a strong supporter of Modern Apprentices within his team and highlighted the positive impact of employing young people with an autism spectrum condition.

He said: “In the past year I have recruited two Modern Apprentices with autism. Both have been supported by Glasgow Supported Employment Service and both have been a great addition to my team. I was part of the interview panel and Ben was one of the top scorers. I was surprised to learn that he had been to many interviews and been unsuccessful. He came across very well and gave great in depth answers, and I knew he would be a good fit for my team.”

Reflecting on the broader benefits, Muir added: “Ben is very studious, reliable and motivated, and in terms of the team it has been very positive. We have learned about communicating more clearly and structuring tasks better, which creates a great working environment. On a personal note, I have learned so much from both our Modern Apprentices, and I’m proud to have them in my team. Overall, it has had an extremely positive impact.”

A family success story
Ben’s success is part of a wider achievement for his family. Both of his brothers have also taken part in Project SEARCH and received support from the Supported Employment Service, and all three have now secured paid employment and are thriving within their communities.

Their mum spoke about what this support has meant: “The support they’ve had from the Supported Employment Service with Project Search, IMAP and ongoing in work support has been brilliant. The fact they all have jobs speaks for itself. As a mum, I had constant worry about whether they would get jobs, be accepted and cope in the workplace. Now that they all have opportunities, a huge weight has been taken off my mind. All I want is for my boys to be happy and seeing them with a future and to live more independently is everything I could ask for.”

Find Out More
For more information on Project SEARCH and how to apply for August 2026, please visit our website or contact supportedemployment@glasgow.gov.uk