'Disabilities should not hold anyone back': Hounslow among best in Europe for helping youngsters with disabilities into work

The borough of Hounslow has been recognised as one of the best in Europe when it comes to helping young people with disabilities into work.

Project SEARCH, which was launched locally in 2016, is a partnership scheme between Hounslow Council, Action on Disability and West Thames College and has been recognised as one of the 10 best schemes in Europe for supporting young people with learning difficulties in getting work experience.

The programme enables young people to gain valuable work experience at Hounslow Borough Council and other organisations including Premier Inn, Mears Care, Imperial College of London and Queensmill School, west London.

70% of interns are embarking upon paid employment

Hounslow was one of the first areas in the country to deliver the scheme and has been presented the excellence award by the International Project SEARCH team to recognise 70% of interns in the borough embarking upon paid employment.

Councillor Candice Atterton, Hounslow's cabinet member for jobs, skills and opportunities, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I want to congratulate everyone involved in Project SEARCH.

“To achieve this award in the first year of delivering Project Search is amazing, and I know the programme continues to go from strength to strength with another large group coming through already.

"I would like to thank also those local businesses who have worked with us and are giving these young people an opportunity."

"Disabilities should not hold anyone back"

Internship roles at the council are designed to give young people an insight into the world of work, providing them with the valuable skills needed to be job ready.

Councillor Candice Atterton added: "Disabilities should not hold anyone back from doing what they want and I know it has benefited those businesses as well to have these talented young people on board.

"I urge any business that has not yet looked at recruiting via Project SEARCH, to join us."

The project also works with employers across the borough to give young jobseekers an opportunity to showcase skills and talents gained by working at the council.

For more information on the project, get in touch with the Project SEARCH team by sending an email to projectsearch@hounslow.gov.uk.

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