Agenda item

(a)       That the progress made through the service partnership with Hft and the success of the interns in year 1 of the programme be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee champions the programme and supports and encourages the development of internship opportunities across the Council.

The Senior Manager: Integrated Services, Lead Adults, introduced a report to give an update on the success of last year’s interns on Project Search and provide information on next year’s cohort.  She explained that Project SEARCH was an internationally recognised programme dedicated to building a workforce that includes people with disabilities.  Designed as a nine month unpaid internship program Project SEARCH places interns (young people aged 18-24 with a Learning Disability) in real-world work settings where they learn all aspects of gaining and maintaining employment.  A series of three internships lasting 10-12 weeks allows interns to explore careers and develop marketable job skills.  The interns receive support from department mentors, skills trainers, and worksite accommodations and adaptations.  The goal being for each individual to secure competitive employment within their community and many of the interns have secured paid employment in Flintshire.

The Senior Manager reported on plans going forward.  She advised that in preparation for the second year of Project SEARCH a number of new internship opportunities were being sought and secured.  The Service was also scoping the development of a programme to support people over 25 years who may not have been able to access an opportunity in the past.   She advised that this would be the first programme of its type in Europe.

Councillor Christine Jones spoke in support of the Project and said the young people had greatly enjoyed their time on the programme and had gained confidence and experience through the variety of opportunities they participated in.  She said Project SEARCH in Flintshire was provided between Flintshire County Council, Hft, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and Coleg Cambria, and expressed her thanks for the hard work and commitment of all involved.

Councillor Carol Ellis asked how many people with a learning disability were employed directly by Flintshire County Council and also employed in the Flintshire area. The Senior Manager agreed to provide the information to the Committee following the meeting.    

Councillor Gladys Healey commented that only 2% of young people with a learning disability in Wales were in paid employment and said there was a need to encourage employers to do more to help people gain employment.  The Senior Manager reported on progress made to date to engage with local employers, citing employment in  Deeside Industrial Park as an example,  and said employers were keen to support people with learning difficulties.   

Following a suggestion from Councillor Paul Cunningham that Deeside Business Forum be contacted it was agreed that following the meeting, the Senior Manager would request an update from the  Chairman of Deeside Business Forum and make a request for further support going forward. 

Councillor Dave Mackie expressed appreciation to the Chief Officer, Senior Managers, and their teams for their initiative in taking forward new and innovative schemes to support and develop people within the County.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor David Wisinger and seconded by Councillor Mike Lowe.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress made through the service partnership with Hft and the success of the interns in year 1 of the programme be noted; and

(b)       That the Committee champions the programme and supports and encourages the development of internship opportunities across the Council.