Project Search is a work experience programme that supports young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to get and keep a fulltime job. It started in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (United States) in 1996 and is now delivered in over 500 sites worldwide, including two in Glasgow.

Staff in Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s Supported Employment Service have played a key role in the development and delivery of both Project Search sites in Glasgow, which are based at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Royal Infirmary and the University of Strathclyde. They are referred as the ‘host business.’ The NHS site is currently the best performing site in Europe for job outcomes.

The photo shows this year's graduating group from the Project Search programme based at the University of Strathclyde.  Five interns from the programme based at the University of Strathclyde have secured full-time employment with five still looking for their first job.  Six of the group at the Royal Infirmary have already secured full-time employment and one part-time employment.

The Supported Employment Service continues to support those still looking for work and job coach those in work to settle and learn all the skills they need to be a success in the workplace. Graduations took place on 2 and 9 June 2017 and were a great success enjoyed by staff from all our partners, parents, families and employers.

Both programmes are still recruiting and applications are made through our college partners. If you know someone who has a learning disability and / or autistic spectrum condition aged between 18 and 25 years and who wants to work full-time this can be a good option.

Those interested in recruiting one of our graduates can contact supportedemployment@glasgow.gov.uk for more information.