Young people seeking jobs are being supported by Project SEARCH – a one-year employability programme that offers students with additional support needs a work-focused college course.

The partnership, between NHS Lanarkshire, the two local councils, New College Lanarkshire, ISS and Serco, sees the students complete three, 12-week work placements, giving them the opportunity to develop a range of practical and vocational skills.

They also have classes covering all aspects of employability.

At Hairmyres Hospital, the current group of eight students have completed their ISS training, which included health and safety, hand hygiene and infection control. All the students also gained a food hygiene certificate and are now looking at interview techniques.

The eight participants at Monklands Hospital have enjoyed placements at the Lanarkshire Beatson, the pathology labs, portering, catering, domestics, stores and clerical experience in the renal unit and mental health.

At Wishaw General, placements include theatres, day surgery, the mail room, Serco maintenance, medical records and wards 12 and 15. Two students have already found employment, one in Tesco, the other at the hospital as a catering assistant.

To discuss offering a placement, contact:

Hairmyres – Claire McDade or Lyn Gilliland;

Monklands – Neil Dunlop or Liz Paterson;

Wishaw General – Joan McAleavy or Katie Murphy.