Hats Off - Project Search Graduation 2025!
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was delighted to host this year’s graduation event for the hardworking young people that have been with us on a supported internship. The event celebrates everything the graduates have achieved throughout the year and was well attended by their families, colleagues and support networks.
DFN Project SEARCH is a supported internship programme for young adults with learning disabilities and / or autism.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is proud to have been a Project SEARCH organisation since 2021 and offers young people with learning disabilities and/or autism supported internships across different departments across the Health Board.
Supported internships are designed to provide an alternative path into the workforce. Many people with learning disabilities and autism find the transition to the workplace difficult after leaving school. This initiative helps young people grow their confidence and the potential to secure meaningful, paid employment.
What the students got up to
The most recent Project SEARCH intake have spent their time across multiple placements in University Hospital Wales, including in Patient Experience, IT, Portering, Switchboard and Colposcopy.
“I learnt lots of admin skills, such as how to design things on the computer, how to use the photocopier, and setting up rooms for training days”, said Aisha* about her time working within the Education, Culture, Organisation and Development.
“I was so good at multitasking, they called me Miss Rabbit! I’d like to thank the whole team for being so welcoming and friendly and everyone involved in Project SEARCH for making this year amazing.”
Erin*, another graduate will be staying on with the Colposcopy team following the Project SEARCH programme, and undertaking further work experience through Jobs Growth Wales, a government-based project which allows them to undertake a qualification via a Training provider.
She said: “Project SEARCH has taught me resilience, confidentiality, confidence, and admin and organisational skills, all which I can take forward into the future. Thank you to all the departments who made me feel like a part of the team.”
Project SEARCH coordinator, Amy Moreno-Grey, said: “A sincere thank you from me to you as colleagues here at the Health Board. This programme doesn’t work without you. I know my team and I are so grateful for everything you do: the time, the commitment, and the patience you give to our young people. You go above and beyond.
“The young people that turn up every day to do their job do so with commitment and pride. They are hardworking and enthusiastic and these are the qualities we want for the future workforces. You don’t need to look any further than our graduates to see these qualities.”
The graduation was attended by Julie Morgan MS, the Senedd Constituency Member for Cardiff North. On the day, she said: “What I’ve seen here today shows what can be achieved as long as we make the right efforts and support the young people so that young people can go onto an amazing future.”
Get Involved
Young people who would like to participate in a placement in the Health Board will need to apply through their schools. If the young person is registered with Additional Learning Needs, they can apply for the project via their School for the following academic Year. They would need to inform their appropriate educational lead to express their interest with the Education Authority to apply for a place. This would be either Cardiff Council or Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is delighted to be a disability-friendly employer. Read more about the Health Board’s aims to achieve an inclusive workforce at shapingourfuturewellbeing.com
* Names have been changed to protect anonymity.
https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/hats-off-project-search-graduation-2025/