Bradford Teaching Hospital’s Project Search team has scooped a top award for their efforts in helping young people with learning difficulties and autism gain work experience and employment.
Project SEARCH, which is based at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, helps students develop their skills by finding them work experience placements, as well as through classroom teaching.
It is a partnership, run jointly by Bradford College and Hft, a national charity which supports adults with learning difficulties and autism. The aim of the project is to provide work experience and support these young adults as they move into paid employment.
Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Kez Hayat picked up the ‘Outstanding Business Contribution 2022’ prize at the Careers and Technical Education Annual Student Awards, which celebrate and recognise the wonderful achievements of young people across the Bradford District.
A stunned Kez said:
Oh my goodness, we have only just gone and won the Outstanding Business Contribution Award!
I am delighted and honoured to accept this award on behalf of my hard-working colleagues who day in, day out, go to great lengths to ensure our interns get the work experience and training they need to gain successful employment across the district.
The employment rate for people with learning difficulties generally is less than 6%, but for those who have completed Project SEARCH it is 74% – which demonstrates how important Project Search is in equipping our interns with the skills to successfully compete for jobs.
Project Search is entering its tenth year at the Trust when the scheme welcomes new interns to the Trust’s hospitals this September. Last week, nine interns graduated at a ceremony in the Sovereign Lecture Theatres which was attended by Chairman Max Maclean and other members of Executive Management Team.
Recruitment for the 2022-23 programme is taking place now. Click on the Project SEARCH Bradford website at www.projectsearchbradford.org.uk for details on how to apply.
Trust Chief Executive, Professor Mel Pickup concluded:
Fantastic news and well done to a very brilliant and committed Project Search team.
What a difference you are all making to the lives and futures of these talented young people and what a richness of perspective, values and diversity they add to our hospitals.
The winners were announced at the event which took place on Monday, 4 July, at the Great Victoria Hotel.