A Celebration of Achievement for DFN Project SEARCH Graduates

On Tuesday, 13 June, the cohort of 2022/23 interns graduated from the DFN Project SEARCH programme. The graduation was planned and run by the interns themselves to celebrate their successes over the past academic year, further enhancing their workplace knowledge and skills. Interns shared their experiences of being on the programme, with a wealth of knowledge, with those in attendance. They discussed their favourite parts of the workplace immersion, what they each learned from their work experience placement in local businesses, and their hopes for the future. A third of the cohort have already moved into paid employment after their time on the programme.To ensure a positive outcome for the group, the Employability and Skills Delivery Team provides further post-programme support. The event was a resounding success; well attended by family, local businesses and partner organisations, and Council management.

DFN Project SEARCH is a year-long partnership programme between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Dumfries and Galloway College. It offers supported employment placements for individuals within the region who have autism and other additional support needs. Each year the interns are supported with training room learning before and during work experience placements, as well as structured in-work support.

Chair of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers, said: “Congratulations, graduates, and colleagues on this fantastic achievement. Well done to all. DFN Project SEARCH is a programme that inherently addresses and supports many of our Council’s key priorities. As a Council, we are proud to have been the host business for the programme locally for a number of years and are fully invested in helping it develop further, creating more success stories, and providing an opportunity for those in our region with autism spectrum disorder and other additional support needs to achieve similar employment outcomes to their peers.”

Vice Chair, Councillor David Inglis, said:“Project SEARCH continues to have a positive impact on participants, families, and wider communities, as well as providing a pathway towards meaningful employment. He added, "It is a pleasure to witness our interns and graduates' progress and celebrate their successes. We look forward to seeing the ongoing positive effects of the programme.”