Celebrating Neurodiversity: Meet some of our Project SEARCH interns
As a proud Project SEARCH organisation, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board offers young people with autism and/or learning disabilities supported internships across a range of different departments.
The Project SEARCH programme works in partnership with Cardiff City Council, Cardiff Commitment and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to equip interns with the necessary knowledge and skills they need in order to get meaningful paid jobs.
The Health Board welcomed a new intake of students back in September 2024, who have settled in brilliantly into their various teams. We checked in with some of the interns ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week:
Morgan is about to move onto his final placement with the programme. He said: “I have enjoyed making new friends whilst being at Project SEARCH and being treated like an adult and being part of a team.
“I have really enjoyed working in the Central Production Unit because of the friendships that I have made with my colleagues. They have made every working day fun! I am a little bit nervous but also excited for my final placement.”
Following Project SEARCH, Morgan is planning on starting an Introduction to Construction course in Cardiff. He is also hoping to get a part-time job working at the University Hospital of Wales to continue his learning and independence.
Huw has especially enjoyed working in the Medical Records department as part of his internship. “I am enjoying my job and working with my colleagues. I have just started working with patient files and this is something that I enjoy,” he said.
“I hope to get a job at University Hospital of Wales once I finish Project SEARCH in Medical Records as it has been my favourite placement.”
Joel has spent his placement with the Health Board IT and General Portering departments.
“What I enjoy about Project SEARCH is visiting different placements, also talking to colleagues“After I've finished Project SEARCH I would like to get a job in the health board and also complete an Automotive course,” Joel said.
Amy Moreno-Gray, Supported Internship Service Manager at Cardiff Council said: “We are incredibly proud of how well the interns have settled into their various placements at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
“The department staff have been so welcoming and supportive and our interns are very much part of the team.
“The placements have allowed our interns to showcase their skillset whilst also developing new skills in readiness for their final rotation. Our interns are hardworking, enthusiastic, determined and ambitious, all great qualities when seeking employment.”
The health board is proud to have the interns onboard, bringing their enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh perspectives. As they continue their journey, colleagues are excited to see all they will achieve and the positive impact they will make in their future careers.
Cardiff and Vale UHB is committed to advancing equality and building an inclusive workplace culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and everyone feels valued. We are proud to participate in the Disability Confident employer scheme operated by the Department of Work and Pensions. The scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace. Read more about the Health Board’s aims to achieve an inclusive workforce at shapingourfuturewellbeing.com.
For more information on work experience and other opportunities for young people, please visit our page on work experience. For more information on DFN Project SEARCH, please visit their website.