Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students celebrated their graduation from Project SEARCH internships with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

The occasion was marked with ceremonies at Coleg Menai in Llangefni and Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea.

Project SEARCH, a partnership between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Agoriad supported employment agency, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, aims to secure employment for adults and young education leavers with learning disabilities or autism.

The 12-month program offers internships at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

One of the successful interns, Mair, celebrated not only her graduation but also being hired as a supported shared apprentice health care assistant at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Mair said: "Being on the Supported Internships Programme has been very good because you gain more work skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence.

"You get a bit more independent by travelling on your own on public transport and get used to being in work and the changes.

"Everyone is like a big family supporting each other through highs and lows."

Learners celebrating at Coleg Llandrillo in Rhos-on-Sea after completing their Project SEARCH internships  (Image: Grŵp Llandrillo Menai)

Despite the high unemployment rate for adults with disabilities and autism, which stands at around 90 per cent, Project SEARCH has successful outcomes.

BCUHB, with its 70 per cent success rate, has seen several of its interns secure both internal and external jobs through the programme.

The parents of another intern, Josh, who has secured a job as bank porter at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, attended the graduation.

His parents said: "He has gone from being extremely quiet and reluctant to join in conversations at home, to being very chatty and confident.

"He's always happy to talk about his day, something he never did when he was in school."

Project SEARCH's importance was further emphasised by the operational lead on Project Search, Tracey Amos.

Ms Amos said: "I’m delighted that the health board has another incredible year supporting and learning from our interns.

"It’s really important that we work closely with young people who may need that extra support to join our workforce.

"It was lovely to meet our interns and their families at our graduation ceremonies.

"We can see how proud everyone is of them."

Dyfed Edwards chair of BCUHB said: "I want to thank everyone who has supported Project SEARCH/Supported Internships from within the health board, local councils and other partners, as well as the parents/carers of our graduates who have been there and supported these young adults during their internships."