A TEAM has scooped a top award for its efforts in helping young people with learning difficulties and autism gain work experience and employment.

Project SEARCH, which is based at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, helps students develop their skills by finding them work experience placements, as well as through classroom teaching.

It is a partnership, run jointly by Bradford College and national charity Hft. The aim of the project is to provide work experience and support these young adults as they move into paid employment.

Kez Hayat, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, picked up the ‘Outstanding Business Contribution 2022’ prize at the Careers and Technical Education Annual Student Awards.

Kez said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept this award on behalf of my hard-working colleagues who day in, day out, go to great lengths to ensure our interns get the work experience and training they need to gain successful employment across the district.

“The employment rate for people with learning difficulties generally is less than six per cent, but for those who have completed Project SEARCH it is 74 per cent - which demonstrates how important Project Search is in equipping our interns with the skills to successfully compete for jobs.”