Meet the newest Project SEARCH recruits chasing their dreams at UHDB
A group of young people are having their first taste of employment at UHDB thanks to the Project SEARCH programme.
The Trust is working in collaboration with St Martins School & Direct Education Business Partnership to offer young people with learning disabilities the opportunity to gain transferrable skills and experience through an internship which provides them with the tools to secure paid employment.
The interns embark on a one-year course at Royal Derby Hospital and rotate through areas including catering, portering and administration, where they participate in placements alongside employability skills training. The interns are assigned a mentor for each placement and are supported by a team of tutors who are based on site.
This year more departments have hosted the interns including Medical Records and the Trust's library. In September, UHDB welcomed its fourth cohort to the programme - this is how they are getting on.
Abbie
Abbie's enthusiasm and positivity has seen her jump at the chance to learn new skills while on the programme.
She is currently working in Facilities Management and said her day to day can range from conducting cleaning audits around the hospital to making sure the lifts are working correctly. She also does administrative duties such as photocopying and helps book interpreters for patients who require them.
She said: "When I first started I wanted to go straight into catering because I have a Saturday job in a café which I love but then I decided to try something new and I am really glad I did. It is so nice to do something different that I haven’t done before. I am still undecided what I want to do in the future but I know I want to do an apprenticeship so I can still do my job at the café on the side."
Arjan
Since joining the Trust Arjan has become a well-known face due to his placement in Royal Derby Hospital's canteen. While he started offering staff, patients and visitors service with a smile he has now moved on to a more behind the scenes role within STERIS services.
He said: "Everyone has been really nice and they all help me if I have any questions. I wanted to become more independent and I already feel like I am learning so much. My dream job would be to work in a department like health records because I like using computers but I enjoy meeting and talking to new people and this whole experience has been really good."
James
When James started at UHDB with Project Search he had a clear vision in his mind of what he wanted to do but after unexpectedly 'finding his rhythm' in a different placement, he is unsure which career path to go down.
He said: "I originally came into the programme really interested in portering and while I am enjoying my placement there I also really enjoyed spending time in Medical Records. It's funny because I wasn’t really looking forward to it and thought my mind was set but I found my rhythm there and it's been one of the best parts of the internship.
"I have really enjoyed it so far and feel like I am growing as a person. I am looking forward to hopefully moving on to find full-time work."
Kris
Kris hoped to gain confidence speaking to others while participating in Project SEARCH, something that he has done in abundance by dividing his time between three placements. Every week, Kris undertakes time working in back of house catering, fundraising in the charity hub and working at the main hospital reception.
He said: "My favourite part so far has been doing the meet and greet and showing visitors and patients where to go around the hospital for appointments. There is quite a lot to learn and it can be tiring but I like talking to people and helping them.
"Since being part of the programme I have enjoyed getting up each day because I look forward to new challenges. All the staff have been brilliant and really supportive - we always have a laugh. I am making the most of this opportunity and trying to learn as much as I can."
As a teaching hospital, schemes like Project SEARCH are really vital to ensuring that we continue to help those in our community that want to work, to find a role that suits them. This is a really exciting and innovative programme which not only allows the interns the opportunity to work in a professional environment for the first time, but allows others at the Trust to learn from their journeys.
Where possible, we encouarge the interns to apply for paid employment following their internship, which some of them have done at UHDB.
Figures show that disabled young adults are significantly underrepresented in the nation’s workforce and are far less likely to secure employment than the general population. Only six percent of young adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work.
In Derby, that figure drops to less than 2%, Project SEARCH is working closely with all the partners to increase this, giving the young people of the city more opportunities to secure a meaningful role in the workforce.
Project SEARCH will be holding an open day event on Thursday, 16 February at the Gallery, above level 3 on the main entrance at RDH.
If you are 18-19 years old, want to learn transferable skills and feel ready to transition into work you can go along to find out more about the supported internship programme.
To find out more, email anna.drake@nhs.net