Students graduating from a year-long employability scheme at Monklands Hospital celebrated their achievements at a special ceremony.
They were among 24 participants in this year’s Project Search work placement programme at NHS Lanarkshire’s three acute hospitals, each completing a trio of three-month work blocks in areas such as laboratories, portering, domestic, catering, groundkeeping and mailroom.
It has already proved successful in helping young people with additional support needs to secure work, with 80 per cent of last year’s students gaining employment.
Monklands Hospital worker Lee Denny took up placements at the Lanarkshire Beatson centre, renal unit and pathology department, and has now begun a modern apprenticeship in business admin and IT with the health board.
He said: “I’ve coped well with the different types of work and have improved my organising skills; I enjoyed all three placements and enjoyed carrying out these new tasks.”
Project Search participants are supported by a job coach and a lecturer, as the placements and classroom sessions help develop skills, increase confidence and improve their chances in the job market.
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They received certificates and gifts from North Lanarkshire provost Jean Jones at the ceremony in Motherwell, watched by relatives, friends, mentors, employers, lecturers and special
guests.
Council chief executive Des Murray and depute leader Paul Kelly both spoke at the event, which also recognised project contributors North and South Lanarkshire councils, NHS Lanarkshire, facilities managers Serco and ISS and New College Lanarkshire.
North Lanarkshire enterprise manager Yvonne Weir said: “Project Search is an excellent example of how we’re working together to significantly improve the employment opportunities of young people with disabilities.
“I hope the students enjoyed their graduation – the look of pride on their faces and the delight of their families and friends was really special. They’ve achieved great things and I’m confident they will go on to have an exciting future in the world of work.”
Adam Fairweather of New College Lanarkshire commented on the 10 years of partnership and added: “The graduation allows everyone to witness the impact this project can have in such a short period of time.
“Everyone involved contributes an enormous amount of time and effort, and it’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these incredible young people, and I wish each of the trainees an enjoyable and successful future.”
