Family, friends, and employers yesterday (Monday 15 June) attended the Project SEARCH graduation ceremony at Lerwick Town Hall.
Project SEARCH is a one-year programme that supports young people with additional support needs to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to move into employment. Over the past year, students have developed valuable workplace skills and the hard work of five young people were recognised yesterday.
Project SEARCH provided students with workplace experiences, helping them build confidence, independence and skills to prepare for the world of work. They have gained nationally recognised qualifications such as health and wellbeing, stress management, and applying for a job, and planning for a job interview – all at SCQF Level 4. They have also completed short courses on topics including customer service, first aid at work and fire safety awareness, plus others.
Local delivery of the Project SEARCH programme is done in partnership with DFN Project SEARCH – a national charity that enables young adults who have a learning disability or autism spectrum condition to secure meaningful permanent employment.
Yesterday’s event in Lerwick was a celebration of the success of this year's graduates, and a recognition of the support of local employers who have helped make their journey possible.
Jim Leask, Senior Support Worker for Employability, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the hard work, dedication and skills of our students on the Project SEARCH programme, and to acknowledge the tremendous support of employers who have provided placements for them.”