Edinburgh Project Search

Edinburgh Project SEARCH is a programme which supports young people with disabilities into employment.

Edinburgh Project SEARCH supports young people with a disability, living in Edinburgh, to gain the skills needed for employment.

Developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH has nearly 400 sites across the world. We have two sites in Edinburgh; one at the City of Edinburgh Council headquarters and one at NHS Lothian’s Western General Hospital. These programmes are run in partnership with Edinburgh College and IntoWork.

Edinburgh Project SEARCH is for young people aged 16-24 with a recognised disability, living in Edinburgh, who want to move into employment but may lack the skills or experience or be facing other barriers stopping them from getting a job. The young people take part in 3 full-time work placements within the Council or hospital, each placement lasting around 10 weeks, resulting in improved skills and confidence and 800 hours of work practice. A tutor and job coaches are based on site at all times, working closely with the business to provide classroom learning, work placements and on-going support.

Outcome results are very high with 60-100% of young people moving into paid positions.

This programme is funded by the European Social Fund Enhanced Pipeline Social Inclusion Programme and The Big Lottery.