More than 50 guests gathered at Kirklees College to celebrate students who have completed the one-year DFN Project SEARCH programme, a scheme designed to help 18 to 25-year-olds with learning disabilities or autism move into paid employment.
Community, employers and civic leaders in attendance
The ceremony was attended by college leaders, including principal Palvinder Singh, the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, parents and carers, as well as several employers who offered workplace placements during the year. Students gave speeches and a specially produced video captured their experience across the programme.
How the programme works
Project SEARCH is a structured, transition-to-work course that combines classroom learning with hands-on internships. Students rotate through three different roles during the year so they can test out a range of occupations. They are supported throughout by a skills tutor and a job coach.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | One year |
| Age range | 18–25 |
| Placement model | Three internships / rotations |
| Support | Skills tutor and job coach |
Voices from the programme
“The graduation was a wonderful way to celebrate the successes of our students over the last 12 months. Seeing their progress over this time has been amazing. A huge thank you as well to all of the guests, including the employers, whose support over the academic year has been invaluable.”
The comment came from Felicity Clark, the Project SEARCH curriculum lead and skills tutor. Her remarks underlined the role local employers play in providing real-world experience and in helping students prepare for competitive employment within the community.
Local impact and practical information
For Kirklees families and employers, the scheme offers a clear pathway from education to work for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Opportunities explored within the programme can include customer service, hospitality and catering, maintenance and gardening, and business support, providing a breadth of practical experience.
- Who it is for: young people aged 18–25 with an EHCP and a goal of competitive employment.
- What participants do: three workplace rotations plus classroom and coaching support.
- Where to learn more: Project SEARCH section on the Kirklees College website holds further details for prospective students, families and employers.
The graduation event offered a public reminder of how targeted local education and employer partnerships can help improve employment prospects for disabled young people. As workforce needs continue to evolve, schemes like Project SEARCH also give local businesses access to a motivated pool of potential employees supported through tailored training.
