The Disability Trust is proud to be launching Project SEARCH in the Illawarra through an innovative partnership with Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.
Project SEARCH is a ground-breaking employment program which started in the United States 19 years ago and The Disability Trust is thrilled to be chosen as the first disability services provider in the Illawarra to offer the fully immersive, workplace-based initiative.
The nine-month program for people with disability aged 17-25 will get underway in March at the iconic Wollongong hotel.
Founded by Erin Riehle, Director of the Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the impetus for Project SEARCH was driven by high turnover in entry-level jobs and is now operating in 10 countries.
A group of 6-10 participants will complete three 12-week internships at the host employer, starting with the Novotel, combining classroom learning, career exploration and hands-on training.
Project SEARCH, which is funded by the NDIS, will provide the participants with consistent support from a host lead and support workers. Interns will be on site four days a week, 4.5-hours per day, gaining experience in various business roles.
The participants will gain competitive, transferrable and marketable job skills, achieve greater independence, confidence and self-esteem.
Work-based coaching, instruction and feedback will support the participants on their employment journey while they will also build connections with the Disability Employment Service (DES).
The main goals for Project SEARCH are for the participants to gain real-life work experience and employability skills, prepare for jobs in rewarding, non-traditional fields, and ultimately achieve competitive employment after the internship.
At the Novotel they will have opportunities to learn while filling roles in maintenance, the kitchen, warehouse, housekeeping, conferences and events, and stores.Â
Program wide, 75% of graduates attain open employment.
If you would like to be part of Project SEARCH or would like more information, please contact The Disability Trust on 1300 347 224 or register your interest in the form below.
Enquire now
Register your interest in the Project SEARCH internship program.
