Work Matters

Work Matters

Work Matters, formally known as Project SEARCH, is an employment focused education programme designed to give students with learning disabilities and/or autism the opportunity to get hands on experience in the workplace, develop employability skills combined with classroom sessions.

It is a multi-agency partnership, bringing together the expertise of NNUH, Serco and City College Norwich.

Students do three, 12-week rotations through the year, they work alongside workplace colleagues in a variety of roles including ward housekeeper, administration, reception and catering; learning the practical skills needed, with support from the tutor and job coaches. They attend daily classroom sessions working towards a number of key “employability” competencies such as Communication Skills, Health & Safety, Self Confidence, Motivation, Team Working. Personal Presentation and KSF competencies.

Over 50 students have graduated since September 2009 and many of those graduates have secured permanent employment in the hospital working for either Serco or the Trust in a range of roles from Apprentices, ward housekeeper to the post room. Many others have secured jobs elsewhere.

The Trust and Serco are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. Accessible honorary contracts and job descriptions have been developed and graduates in jobs continue to be supported by the Work Matters team.

More information on Work Matters can be found on the City College Norwich website.