B&NES Council welcomes new Bath College interns

Eight young people with learning disabilities have started a year-long employability programme with Bath & North East Somerset Council.

This is the 10th year the council has welcomed interns from DFN Project Search – an initiative led by the council in partnership with Bath College and Virgin Care. The aim of the scheme is to support young adults with learning disabilities into work.

Councillor Paul Myers, Cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “The average employment rate for young people aged 18-24 with a learning disability in the UK is just seven per cent. We need to do all we can to increase their opportunities and help them develop the skills they need to find sustainable employment. Every year we’ve seen our graduates find community-based employment through the programme and I’m sure this year’s intake will benefit greatly from their time with us.”

During their time at the Council the interns receive on-site tutoring from Bath College and Job Coach support from Virgin Care. The partners also work with local organisations to help interns find vacancies and apply for jobs in the community.

Following the successful completion of their internships next June all graduates will be presented with certificates at a special ceremony at the Guildhall.

For more information on DFN Project Search, contact Bath College on 01225 312 191