DFN Project SEARCH has been making a positive difference to young people’s lives in Glasgow for 10 years.

Project Search, in association with our Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), is celebrating 10 years in Glasgow with a proven record of over 72% of young people completing the programme and gaining full-time employment. 

Project Search is an innovative and exciting work experience programme for young people aged between 18 to 29 years with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions. 

Since 2013, our staff in the HSCP’s Supported Employment Service have played a key role in the development and delivery of both Project Search sites in the host businesses of NHS Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the University of Strathclyde. 

In the 10 years since the launch of Project Search in Glasgow, 184 young people have completed the programme; 133 gained employment and 55 of those secured employment within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

This year’s Project Search classes graduated in June with two ceremonies held in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and in the University of Strathclyde.

The graduation ceremonies serve as a reminder of the accomplishments that the young people involved achieve during the programme as well as an opportunity for the young people’s families and buddies to come together and celebrate. 

To further mark the 10-year anniversary of Project Search in Glasgow, a video focused on the journey of the interns and the positive outcomes they achieved was produced and shown at the graduation ceremonies. You can view it on our HSCP’s YouTube Channel.

Darren, one of this year’s interns said: “I highly recommend Project Search to all who are thinking of doing it. They really helped me understand my strengths”.

Rowan Hendry, Supported Employment Job Coach said: “We’re very proud of the young people who completed Project Search this year. All of them have already secured employment before the end of the programme.”

Carol Clarke, mother of Project Search intern Kieran, said: “Before he joined the programme Kieran was struggling. He was withdrawn and had difficulty with most tasks and social interactions. Going on Project Search was like flipping a coin – he became more sociable, confident and he seems so much happier.”

The programme is extremely effective because it’s specifically designed to support young people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions develop the skills and confidence needed to get into and keep full-time paid employment. 

Angie Black, Supported Employment Service Manager said: “I can’t believe it’s the 10-year anniversary of Project Search in Glasgow. I’m so proud of all the young people that have taken part and especially of all they have achieved, they’re an inspiration”.

She continued: “This project requires working in partnership with many organisations. In my experience working in partnership can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. We’ll continue to work together to ensure great outcomes to all of the young people that participate in this programme”.

Applications are open for Project SEARCH

Do you know anyone with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions who is looking for a way to develop and enter the world of work? If yes, then encourage them to apply for Project Search!

Project Search is full time Monday to Friday, 9am until 4pm. Participants are expected to have excellent timekeeping and attendance. Darren, one of last year’s Project Search graduates, said: “Project Search is a fantastic programme to do. It helps your confidence grow, getting you more experience and meeting new people. It helped me get my job and it’s the best thing I have ever done.”

To apply to Project Search visit the website of Glasgow Clyde College or City of Glasgow College and complete the application forms. 

To find out more about Project Search before applying you can email our Supported Employment Service at supportedemployment@glasgow.gov.uk and ask any questions that you may have.

Find out more about Project Search at www.dfnprojectsearch.org.