Ministers visit Norse to celebrate Project Search graduates
August 2010

Norse recently played host to Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller and Minister for Skills John Hayes when they visited Norfolk to meet young people with learning disabilities who have secured jobs after innovative Project Search training.

Project Search offers college courses in employment skills from City College Norwich and work placements to young people with learning disabilities.

The meeting was to celebrate the graduation of Project Search graduates at Norse, the only commercial company in the UK taking part in the scheme, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Maria Miller said: “Project Search makes a major difference to the lives of young people with learning disabilities by helping them gain skills and confidence to help them into employment.”

“People with learning difficulties can, and do, make a valuable contribution in the workplace and it’s important we support initiatives like Project Search that help people achieve their ambitions.”

Tricia Fuller, HR director at Norse Commercial Services, commented: “The best thing about Project Search is that it really works – it gives people with learning difficulties experience of work and the skills required in the workplace, and then gets them into real jobs.”

“I believe that no other similar scheme works as well and hope that many more employers consider getting involved so all students who want to take part in the project can do.”