July 11, 2019 - 1053 views
A group of Project SEARCH interns became proud graduates this month, receiving their certificates at a ceremony in front of their families.
Project SEARCH's primary objective is to secure competitive employment. Nationally, the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities/autism is approximately 90 per cent, Project SEARCH supports the development of skills and behaviours that support these young adults in to meaningful paid employment.
The evidence shows that employment has a positive impact on long-term health and social inclusion.
Mandy Hughes, Workforce Modernisation Manager at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board (BCUHB), said: “As a Health Board we are committed to ensuring that we have an inclusive culture where leaders routinely demonstrate their commitment to promoting equality within BCUHB and beyond to enable a fair and inclusive workforce.
“We are delighted with the success of our second cohort of Project SEARCH interns, the graduation ceremony was a lovely way to demonstrate the Health Board and our partners continued support of the programme.
“We wish all the graduates continued success.”
Cetificates were presented to the interns by BCUHB Chairman, Mark Polin and Dafydd Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
Mr Polin said: “It was an honour for me to attend the graduation ceremony to celebrate the success of our interns.
“I would like to extend our thanks to the partners, Engage to Change, Agoriad Cyf, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Learning Disability Wales who work with us to support and encourage these young adults to become the best employees that they can be.
“Well done to all involved in Project SEARCH and congratulations to all the interns on the successful completion of the programme.”
In Wales, Project SEARCH is funded as part of the wider five-year Engage to Change project by the Big Lottery Fund, in partnership with Welsh Government.
BCUHB Project SEARCH site is a collaborative effort between Agoriad Cyf, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai College, BCUHB and Learning Disability Wales. The partnership is providing a framework for an internship programme for young people with disabilities at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
