Renfrewshire employment programme hailed as young people with learning difficulties and autism supported into work

“Since 2015, 55 graduates (60%) have progressed to a positive job outcome which counters the trend in Scotland where employment rates for people with learning disabilities is estimated at 4-8% and 29% for autistic people.”

Young people with learning disabilities and autism in Renfrewshire are being supported into the workplace through an inspiring employment programme delivered by Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow Clyde College.

DFN Project SEARCH Renfrewshire offers 12 places each year to young people who have a learning disability, autism spectrum condition or both with work experience, as well as academic and employability support, as they are supported into the world of work.

Interns split their time between a classroom-based environment and on work placement within Renfrewshire Council and with local businesses, with work rotations including catering, cleaning, clerical and administration, customer services, leisure services and waste recycling, and new opportunities for work experience placements are welcomed by the team.

Last year, all seven interns who completed the course secured jobs after leaving and, in addition to the academic qualification, left with certificates in Food Hygiene, First Aid, Manual Handling, Health and Safety at Work and Customer Care.

Leah Wallace was one of those graduates and said: “Project SEARCH helped me develop my confidence and get out and experience the real world.

“I’ve learned how to be more confident in myself and also how to be more sociable. At first, I was really shy and the programme helped me deal with my anxiety and my dyslexia.

“It helped me develop more skills and qualities, like how to be part of a team and how to get to know everyone where I work. It also gave me the experience of traveling to new places.

“I feel like I’m fitting in well and getting along with everyone in my job and I feel really well supported as they know about my learning disability and just treat me like a regular member of the team.”

Since 2015, 55 graduates (60%) have progressed to a positive job outcome which counters the trend in Scotland where employment rates for people with learning disabilities is estimated at 4-8% and 29% for autistic people.

Kirsty McCallum progressed from the programme to a job with the Courtyard by Marriot after having a placement there.

Kirsty said: “Project SEARCH was a good programme as it helped me meet new people, taught me interview skills and helped me learn how to apply for jobs.

“It helped me get a job where I had one of my placements. I’ve been here for five years now and really enjoy it, I’d like to keep working here for as long as I can.”

This year marks the tenth cohort of the programme running in Renfrewshire and this milestone will be marked by a celebration event, as well as a series of promotional activity to chart the ten years of progress and success of the graduates who are now established in the world of work.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This is a fantastic programme that gives young people with autism and learning disabilities the support they need to move into permanent employment – and the success of the programme is a credit to the council officers and partners delivering it.

“Over the ten years, there are so many young people who have achieved positive outcomes thanks to the support they have received from the council and Glasgow Clyde College, and it is something that everyone involved should be really proud of.

“I’m delighted to see that more interns will start the programme again this year and I wish them well as they set out on their journey into the world of work.”

Interns receive support from a Glasgow Clyde College lecturer as they work towards achievement of SQA qualifications and job-related certifications and employment job coaches provide guidance and assistance to undertake job task requirements and with employability support such as CV writing, interview techniques and job searching.

All aspects of programme aim to support individual employment aspirations with the interns and guide them towards suitable employment opportunities at the end of the programme.

Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive at Glasgow Clyde College, commented: “Project Search is a life changing experience for so many young people with learning disabilities. As a college, we are proud of the partnership we have with Renfrewshire Council which offers students the chance to gain practical work experience leading to employment.

“This project seeks to remove the barriers faced by those with learning disabilities in accessing meaningful employment and each year we see 12 lives transformed by this trailblazing partnership. We look forward to continuing to work together to change lives.”