A project based at the University of Aberdeen which helps local people with learning disabilities secure employment has celebrated its tenth anniversary, with an event that took place at the University's Cruickshank Botanic Garden.
DFN Project SEARCH combines real-life work experience, training in employability, and independent-living skills to young people in the north-east of Scotland with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum conditions who want to go on to find paid employment.
The event celebrating a decade of achievement was attended by current interns, graduates, staff members of the University’s Project SEARCH team past and present, and local supporters. Among those attending was Project SEARCH graduate Owen Griffin, who received a certificate of completion to recognise his transition from an apprentice in the University’s Grounds team, to full-time Grounds Person. Owen is now mentoring the team’s current apprentice, who graduated from the programme in June 2022.
The occasion also saw the launch of the DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen Alumni Network, which will allow graduates to keep in touch with each other beyond their time on the programme, to share their progress and to arrange social events. The network will also act as a vital link between the on-site team and graduates to share information about job opportunities and to allow staff to improve the programme by receiving feedback and understanding how interns’ careers and lives progress over the longer term.
Heather Crabb, who leads the University’s contribution to Project SEARCH, said “Over the past ten years our programme has made a real difference to the lives of our interns and their families by giving them the support and encouragement they need to help them learn, develop and grow as individuals in both their personal and professional lives.
“We are indebted to our colleagues within the University and in local organisations who have provided our interns with placements, training and development opportunities and other support over the past decade.
“The success of Project SEARCH shows how much can be achieved through collaboration and partnership working and as we enter our second decade, we remain committed to ensuring that our young people leave us with the transferable skills, knowledge and experience which enable them to be a real asset to their employers.”