Newcastle housing association supporting local young people with disabilities

It is the second year Home Group has hosted the Project Search programme from its central Newcastle head office, a year long internship which sees learners engage in three long term work placements as well as academic, classroom-based learning.

Home Group is hosting five learners this year, expanding on the four they hosted previously.

The programme allows Home Group, and other organisations who partner with the housing association, to provide essential skills and help to develop confidence, communication skills and develop the learners’ work readiness.

It also allows the learners to be exposed to the real world of work where they can explore and help identify their preferred working environment and activities which will help them set clear work goals.

Home Group sees the Project Search model as a way to provide a meaningful stepping stone into employment either within the housing association or elsewhere for local young people.

Two of the learners from Home Group’s first year supporting the programme are now full-time apprentices with the housing association.

These opportunities for a full-time apprenticeship within Home Group is something the housing association is keen to offer to all learners who take part in its Project Search programme, should it be something the learner is interested in once completing the programme.

Kate Horsfield, People Development Business Partner at Home Group said: “It’s fantastic to have another cohort of learners following in the footsteps of our initial four, embracing new experiences and overcoming personal challenges.

“They are growing in confidence every day and never fail to surprise me with just how much they are learning and get involved with while with their host teams. Hopefully we will have another 100% progression into employment!”

Learners on this year’s programme have worked on placements in a number of different areas of the business, including HR, business operations, compliance and commercial.

Home Group has also partnered with local organisation including Connected Voice, a charity based in the same head office in Newcastle, Sodexo, St James’ and Marriott Hotel to provide placements.

George, one of this year’s learners, explained the difference the programme has made for him: “I faced a lot of confidence challenges at first, talking to new people and getting more involved, but Home Group and my tutor had lots of patience and made me feel very comfortable and safe to start speaking up more.

“My team has encouraged me to come out of my shell, and through the internship I have learned that the workplace isn’t always intimidating and there are people out there with patience.

“For example, I was worried about speaking and making conversations with people, but I never felt pressured to do so. It happened naturally, and my team have always made me feel a part of the team.

“I would tell someone considering the Project Search programme to do it. You won’t regret it! Even if you don’t think the placement is exactly what you want to do as a job, you will end up learning skills and making some good memories.

“While being here I have come out of my shell and done stuff I have always been a little worried about doing, and I’m glad I have. It may seem very scary at first, but it won’t take long before you feel comfortable and supported.”

For more information about the Project Search programme ran by Home Group, contact Kate Horsfield at kate.horsfield@homegroup.org.uk