UHNM Celebrates Eighth Cohort of Project SEARCH Graduates
A joint initiative between University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), Newfriars College and Sodexo has celebrated student success for the eighth year in a row.
Eight of the latest students graduated from the programme on Friday 10 July after completing a rotation of three placements at UHNM, with several graduates securing full-time paid employment at the Trust.
The Project SEARCH programme at UHNM gives 18 to 24 year-olds with disabilities and learning difficulties the opportunity to work at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford to gain vital experience to help with future employment prospects, independence and confidence.
The graduates worked in areas including the hospital restaurant, housekeeping and pathology.
Lorraine Whitehead, Director of Estates, Facilities & PFI at UHNM said: “It was a privilege to be able to attend this year’s graduation ceremony and celebrate the success of our interns. It was an incredibly inspiring afternoon and a powerful reminder of why Project SEARCH continues to be such an important and valued programme. Every graduate should be immensely proud of what they have achieved. Throughout the year they have shown determination, resilience and a real commitment to developing new skills, gaining valuable workplace experience and building their confidence.
“Project SEARCH has such a huge impact on the lives of our graduates and their families, which is something we should all be incredibly proud of. The programme not only helps young people to realise their potential and move closer to their career goals, but it also highlights the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of this latest cohort and wish them every success for the future as they take the next exciting steps in their careers.”
Frankie Croxton, Lead Job Coach for Project SEARCH at UHNM, said: “The Project SEARCH graduation is always a special occasion, giving us the opportunity to celebrate our interns and everything they have achieved over the past year. This year’s cohort has worked incredibly hard, consistently going above and beyond to demonstrate their skills, determination and potential. Seeing some of our interns successfully transition into paid employment is a testament to their dedication and commitment throughout the programme.
“Our partnership between UHNM and Newfriars College is truly life-changing for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties and it’s really exciting knowing we are going into our ninth year of supporting students to gain independence and valuable workplace skills. Long may it continue.”
Since launching at UHNM, Project SEARCH has helped more than 35 young people with disabilities and learning difficulties secure paid employment.
Callum Morrison was one of this year’s graduates who has gained paid employment working in UHNM’s Pathology department as a Pathology Stores Keeper. Reflecting on his time on the programme, he said: “When I first arrived at UHNM, I was really nervous because I was starting a whole new chapter in my life. Now, I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’m so much more confident. I feel much more confident talking to people because I’ve met so many new people during the programme. I’m really proud that I’ve overcome so many challenges, including improving my social anxiety.”
