The job search is over for Project SEARCH graduates
Almost everyone who graduated from Ayrshire College’s latest Project SEARCH employability programme at Culzean Castle has since gained employment.
Project SEARCH is a programme delivered by Ayrshire College, in partnership with The National Trust for Scotland, Girvan Youth Trust and South Ayrshire Council, for 17 to 29-year olds who have learning disabilities; including those on the autistic spectrum.
Seven of eight participants who graduated at a ceremony held at Culzean Castle in October have now realised their dream of employment. Two graduates are now employed by Trump Turnberry, two by Morrisons, two by Ace Adventure, and one by Ashleigh Construction.
This is a great success for the Project SEARCH team at Culzean Castle, which has been running through Ayrshire College for just two years following great success with the Project SEARCH group at Crosshouse Hospital. 4 from 7 participants from last year’s Culzean Castle group gained employment.
The South Ayrshire Project SEARCH programme is the only one in the UK to be based at a National Trust site. Participants of the programme rotate around three work placements each during a nine-month stint at Culzean Castle, working in the café, the gardens, the gift shop, the hotel, the kitchen, in housekeeping, and with the rangers.
A new intake starts in February and anyone interested in joining the team can apply online through the Ayrshire College website.
Clare Baird, Employability and Engagement Officer at Ayrshire College, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement as it’s only our second year running this course at Culzean Castle.
“All students receive support over the 18 months following their graduation from our partners – primarily Girvan Youth Trust – to help them find employment. So we’re still aiming to get 100% into work!”
10 January 2020
Share this post
