Talented young adults with learning disabilities break barriers and celebrate their graduation with new job opportunities

Seven talented young adults – Deanna, Paige, Lewis, Ryan, Finnley, Haydn and Dewi – recently celebrated their graduation from the transformative DFN Project SEARCH Transition to Work Programme with ClwydAlyn Housing Association in Flintshire, joining the ranks of over 1,800 graduates in the UK, 70% of whom have secured full-time employment. This milestone marks the beginning of exciting new opportunities as they explore job prospects with local organisations.

The DFN Project SEARCH Transition to Work Programme, in collaboration with Flintshire County Council and the charity Hft, empowers young adults with learning disabilities and autism by equipping them with essential skills, experience and confidence ready for when they join the workforce.

DFN Project SEARCH aims to create a more inclusive society by enhancing career opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. The programme provides students with a blend of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on skills training during their final year of education.

ClwydAlyn Housing has shown unwavering support for this initiative by providing valuable work placements and actively participating in the interns’ career development. Their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment has played a crucial role in the programme’s success.

“Creating an inclusive workplace where each and every person feels valued, comfortable and safe to be who they are is at the heart of ClwydAlyn. We are fully committed to providing quality services for people with learning disabilities and supported employment is a key priority. Everyone deserves to have the same opportunities – earning a wage, living independently and developing friendships.”

Sian Williams

Executive Director of People, Culture and Communications

Annie Jackson, Community and Engagement Specialist at ClwydAlyn, said: “It was a real pleasure to present the graduates with their certificates show ClwydAlyn’s support for this wonderful project. We believe that everyone should be able to access positive and fulfilling employment. We are proud to be a partner of DFN Project SEARCH, providing young people with learning disabilities the skills, confidence and work experience they need to secure future employment.”

Jo Taylor, Service Manager for Disabilities at Flintshire County Council, said: “DFN Project SEARCH is a fantastic opportunity to support young people with a learning disability in Flintshire and I am proud we are a key partner in this programme.”

Jordan Smith, Head of Care and Support at Hft, said: “We are really proud of our partnership with ClwydAlyn, Flintshire County Council and DFN Project SEARCH, delivering life changing outcomes to the people we support. We have successfully run four DFN Project SEARCH programmes since our partnership was formed in 2019. This year we have supported five amazing individuals, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and find what roles they’d be interested in. We wish Deanna, Paige, Lewis, Ryan, Finnley, Haydn and Dewi all the best in the future, where I’m confident they’ll achieve their employment goals.”

Employers interested in creating an inclusive workplace and discovering new talent are encouraged to connect with DFN Project SEARCH. To learn more and explore partnership opportunities, visit: https://www.dfnprojectsearch.org