2023-05-18 10:35:59
Bradford interns win progress awards as they navigate the world of work
Dawid Rabiej, an intern at Bradford College, and Joe Aldridge, an intern at Bradford Royal Infirmary, have both won an award for Most Progress in Hft’s Project SEARCH Celebration Event, held today to highlight the incredible journeys interns and graduates on the programme have been on over the past 12 months.
Dawid and Joe, who are supported by national learning disability charity Hft and are enrolled on the DFN Project SEARCH employability programme, were nominated for their hard work and motivation, and personal growth respectively.
Dawid works in the kitchens at Bradford College and “works to the best of his ability to accomplish his goals,” according to Umesh Sah from Hft.
Umesh continues, “He is determined by his own values and goals, takes his work very seriously and completes tasks effectively and efficiently.
“In addition, he is punctual, dependable and responsible, uses his initiative and is flexible for the business and its customers.”
Dawid explains that he enjoys his internship with Project SEARCH because “it gives me new skills and enables me to meet new people”.
“I work in the kitchen because I like when it’s busy and there is a lot to do. If anyone would like to come on Project SEARCH, I would encourage them to come and have a go,” he says.
Joe, who also took home an award today, works in receipt and distribution at Bradford Royal Infirmary and was nominated for his growth from a quiet student in the classroom to a professional and polite worker.
Joe says, “I was nervous at first but it didn’t take long until I knew the hospital like the back of my hand!”
“Joe did well in his first rotation in administration, but for his second rotation he went to Receipt and distribution where he has absolutely excelled,” says Naomi Crawford, Employability Coach for Hft. “He is always professional and polite. He completes all the work independently and rarely needs any help, so much so he has been given an award from the people who work in the Acute vascular theatres for his outstanding work.
“I am extremely proud of Joe and how he has developed this year.”
This is the second year that Hft has held the awards ceremony and this year 20 interns and graduates across England and Wales are being recognised for their commitment and hard work.
“Each and every intern is deserving of celebration – their journeys all involve learning a range of new skills, hard work and dedication. We want to acknowledge these achievements, and shine a light on the stories of the interns and graduates we are supporting,” says Bryony Dolby, National Programme Co-ordinator (Project SEARCH) at Hft.
“Hft is incredibly privileged to work with a wide range of supportive and inclusive partner organisations and a cohort of talented, hardworking interns and graduates. Our team of Employability Coaches works with partners to provide tailored support to interns and graduates to give them the opportunity to gain and develop the skills needed for paid work in their chosen career.
“Year after year we are blown away by the commitment shown by those we are supporting, their positive attitude and perseverance towards achieving their goals. This year has been no exception. Joe and Dawid are well-deserved winners of this award, as they have both shown how they have embraced contributing in the workplace, being professional and continuing their personal development.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
