A life changing employability programme is welcoming applications for its latest intake.

 

Project Search is designed for students with a learning disability or autism, who want to move into full time work.

There are 12 places available and the selected students will initially attend a summer school one day a week in July to prepare for the year ahead.

The programme is then delivered full time with Glasgow Clyde College at Renfrewshire Council over an academic year, from September 2018 to June 2019, with students working towards achieving a recognised qualification in employability.

Students will also gain more than 600 hours of practical work based learning and training through working in three different work placements within Renfrewshire Council.

A string of young people from previous courses have already landed jobs across Renfrewshire in a variety of roles including clerical assistant, catering and project assistant.

Colin McKenzie, the first graduate to get a job, said: “Project Search has given me confidence and skills and it has helped me to find a job. Our whole class had a brilliant year and we all felt that by the time we had completed the course we could move into work and make a contribution to the world.”

Every young person will work with a team that includes their family, college lecturer and job coach to create an employment goal to help them move to the world of work.

The experience and skills they get from their work placements will be vital for them in applying for jobs.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “It’s great to see Project Search launch its fourth intake and create training and employment opportunities for young people.

“We look forward to welcoming a new group of trainees to the council and see them hopefully taking their first steps into the job market.”

Renfrewshire’s Project Search is a partnership between, Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow Clyde College and Invest in Renfrewshire.

It originated in Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital and has grown to over 400 sites internationally.

Applicants must be aged 17-26 years old, have a learning disability and/or autism and live within a Renfrewshire Postcode.

They must also want to find full time work on completion of the programme, be capable of  travelling independently and have excellent timekeeping and attendance.

An information evening on 21st March 2018 from 6.00pm-7.30pm at Tweedie Hall Linwood will provide more details about the course and application process.

To apply for the course, please contact michael.moran@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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