Graduates have every reason to be proud

Seven very proud interns from Project SEARCH, Derriford, graduated this week following nine months of intensive work based training gaining Diplomas in Progression.

The interns, who all have learning disabilities, have been working in Derriford Hospital, on honorary contracts whilst developing and learning new work skills.

The latest cohort of interns includes Marty Truscott, the first intern to achieve Healthcare Assistant Level 1.

These seven graduates bring the total number of interns who have graduated from Project SEARCH to more than 40 in the last six years.

Graduate Intern, Ben Hall, was described by colleagues in logistics at Derriford Hospital as “the best intern we have ever had”.

Ben said: “I have enjoyed the course so much because I have learned such a a lot of new skills.”

Richard Crompton, Chairman of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, presented the certificates at a ceremony on Wednesday 1 July 2015.

Richard said: “This is just my favourite day of the year. It has been so brilliant to meet, know and hear the stories of achievement of you, our interns. We have heard how you have seized every opportunity given to you. I would like to thank you and all the staff who have supported you in achieving this.”

The Project has an enviable success rate. From the 2013 cohort, 87% of the interns went on to achieve competitive paid employment.

Project SEARCH supports young adults, between 18 and 24, living in Plymouth with Learning Disabilities by providing a Level 1 academic course running alongside three internships within Derriford Hospital.

It is a partnership that provides real work experience based in Derriford Hospital Plymouth, where interns learn the skills that all employers need together with specific skills for individual jobs.

Project SEARCH is a partnership between Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Pluss, Serco and City College Plymouth who work together to create employment opportunities for young adults living in Plymouth who have learning disabilities.