The launch of a new internship programme has been announced for young people with learning difficulties and autism to help them get into work in Bedford Borough.
The programme is set up by Bedford Borough Council, Bedford College and charity DFN Project SEARCH, a charity that helps neurodivergent young people get into work.
The DFN Project SEARCH programme will be run in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, who will be the host employer, Bedford College as the education provider and licence holder, and Mencap, who will be organising the job coaching element.
12 young adults will be given the opportunity to get involved for the first year and the interns will complete three 10-week work experience placements within Bedford Borough Council.
Dom and Luisa, whose son Romeo has enrolled said: “As parents, we hope this will provide an ideal step and insight into the world of employment… our son Romeo is looking forward to this internship (as we are)
“We understand this is the first year of the project and wish to thank all staff who have been involved for all their hard work in setting this up and who will be supporting all students during this important transition into the adult world.
“We wish the project to be a great success and to give all students involved encouragement and a brighter future.”
DFN Project SEARCH works to build a more inclusive society by helping young people with learning disabilities and autism to access work-related supported internships, eventually leading to successful paid employment.
The latest data from the programme states that in the past academic year 71% of interns secured a paid job – outcomes that are well beyond the national statistics, with only 5.6% of people in work with a learning disability known to the local authorities.
DFN Project SEARCH Director and Programme Specialist, Carmel McKeogh, said: “It is really exciting to be working with Bedford Borough Council and Bedford College for our new DFN Project SEARCH programme Bedford Borough.
“There are so many skills and opportunities for the young people to learn inside such a diverse and inclusive business.
“The commitment to change the life chances of young people with learning disabilities and autism in the area is shared by all the partners in this great programme and we are really looking forward to have welcomed the first class of young people.”
The charity aims to get 10,000 young adults with learning disabilities and autism into full-time paid jobs over the next decade and 20,000 in the next 15 years.
Katrina O’Brien, from The Bedford College Group said: “These students can now build on the skills they acquired previously while they were at Bedford College studying on the Foundation Skills Programme.
“We are confident that this programme will provide them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential by building on their strengths, uncovering new interests and aspirations, and understanding how best to use the support available to them.”
Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “Young people with learning disabilities and autism can often find themselves unfairly excluded but this kind of on-the-job learning will go a long way to help provide opportunities in securing long-term, fulfilling paid employment.”
Information about DFN Project SEARCH can be found online.
