Hft interns celebrate graduation after Project Search success
The scheme has seen the trio gain new skills and experience
Three students supported by Hft are celebrating – after graduating from their year-long internship.
Hannah, Emma and Alex proudly wore their mortar boards at a special ceremony to mark the completion of their Project Search programme.
Hft Flintshire has been working with DFN Project Search – a national charity dedicated to transforming employment opportunities for young people with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition – since 2019.
The scheme in Flintshire is run in partnership with local housing association ClywdAlyn and the county council.
Each of the interns undertakes three work placements a year alongside one day a week in the classroom, with a tutor provided by Hft assisting them to complete a National Open College Network course in employability skills.
Alex has completed three work placements.
His first was at a local recycling centre where he helped customers who arrived on site as well as assisting in keeping the skips tidy.
His second placement was at the Old Courthouse Café in Flint where he worked on the till, made drinks and assisted with food preparation.
In his third placement he worked at builders merchant Travis Perkins, advising customers, helping to sort stock and working on the shop floor.
Alex,32, said: “I really enjoyed Project Search. I learned valuable skills that I can use in the workplace and I also made friends.”
Hannah has also completed three work placements. Her first was at the Old Courthouse Café before she moved on to work in the ClwydAlyn kitchen at its 60s extra care scheme
Hannah helped with all aspects of the kitchen work from food preparation, setting out the restaurant for service, serving food and making desserts.
In her third placements Hannah,29, worked with school meals catering company Newydd, carrying out a number of tasks in the kitchen.
“I joined Project Search because I wanted to gain more work experience so I can get a job and live independently,” said Hannah.
“The programme gave me more experience, new skills and helped me gain confidence.”
Emma,22, undertook two placements as part of her Project Search journey.
Her first – which lasted six months – involved working in the café at a local leisure centre, helping to prepare food, serving customers and clearing tables.
In her second placement she worked as a kitchen assistant at the ClwydAlyn over 60s care scheme.
Emma has now gone on to secure paid employment at the leisure centre café.
Emma said: “I was nervous when I first started the programme and weren’t sure what job I wanted to do.
“I really enjoyed my placements and I feel really happy I’ve got a job out of the experience.”
Hannah and Alex will now continue to work with Hft Flintshire’s job coaches to find paid employment.
The graduation was hosted at the LLys Raddington Extra Care Scheme, run in partnership by ClywdAlyn and Flintshire County Council, and attended by the trio’s family, friends, support workers and mentors.
Each of the interns gave a presentation about their internship before enjoying celebratory cakes and drinks.
Hft Job Coach Rhian Dobson-Gill, who has supported the trio through their internship, said: “It has been such a rewarding experience to work with Hannah, Emma and Alex and see them experience the different placements and gain new skills and experience.
“It is wonderful to see them find their niche in something which they enjoy and will help them move forward into the world of work.”
DFN Project Search works in partnership with more than 200 organisations across the UK, bringing together local education providers, local authorities and supported employment partners to create meaningful career pathways.
The scheme has already supported more than 2,000 young people with an average of 63 per cent securing permanent, paid roles.
The project’s aim is to create a more in inclusive workforce where talent is recognised, opportunities are accessible and aspirations become achievements.