BETA

Rydych chi'n edrych ar fersiwn wedi'i diweddaru o'r wefan hon - bydd eich adborth yn ein helpu i'w wella.

Blogiau

Priosect SEARCH Dow Silicones UK Ltd

Time to Reflect

January is always a time for reflection and despite the odds, Project SEARCH continues to run at Dow Silicones UK Ltd in Barry with 2 successful programmes behind us and our 3rd programme well underway.

This has only been possible thanks to the creativity and commitment of a brilliant Project SEARCH on-site team (Kerri Ince; Instructor, Hollie Monks; Job Coach, Dan Jenkins; Job Developer), an amazingly supportive DOW mentoring team, strong leadership sponsorship and the agility of a fantastic group of interns, whose energy, motivation, positivity, and diverse perspectives never fail to bring a breath of fresh air to the site.

Let’s just take a moment to reflect on 2021 achievements and celebrate the success stories!

  • Project SEARCH Year 2 class of 2020/2021 successfully graduated in December 2021 following an extended-on site programme, many already having secured jobs or with interviews lined up. A socially distanced graduation ceremony was held at Cardiff & Vale College to mark their achievements.

 

  • Project SEARCH Year 3 launched in September 2021 when we were delighted to welcome 9 new interns to the Barry site. All successfully completed an intensive 6-week virtual induction thanks to the support of guest speakers from across many different sites, who took the time to meet with the interns and provide an insight into life and culture DOW. All interns have now completed their first on-site rotation, already delivering value to their respective departments.
  • Project SEARCH in Barry was awarded a DOW Employee Resource Group Relationship grant for the second year running, allowing us to welcome a new Job Coach and Job Developer. Both have hit the ground running, supporting the interns to acquire marketable and transferable skills, securing work opportunities for many interns from current and previous programmes and forging working partnerships with Business Partners, such as The National Museum of Wales, Sinclair, Volkswagen, Ty Hafan & Academy Espresso Bar.
  • Regular Cultural Exchanges now set up with Project SEARCH teams in Plaquemine, Elizabethtown, Houston, Freeport, USA, allowing interns to
    share experiences and connect with fellow interns from across the globe.

  • Project SEARCH interns have facilitated ‘Learning Disability’ training for Dow employees to spread awareness, change mindsets and attitudes towards learning disabilities.

  • Project SEARCH interns have been introducing themselves and Project SEARCH during department meetings, site forums and training days, thereby gaining communication confidence and presentation skills.

  • Project SEARCH interns have been leading DOW inclusion case study discussions with their groups to facilitate dialogue and encourage independent thought.
  • We finally planted our tree and plaque to celebrate the launch of Project SEARCH at the Barry site. Our gardener is taking good care of this, supporting it to grow and flourish just as Project SEARCH has done since 2019. A mini ceremony was held to mark the occasion with each intern stepping up to make a speech about what Project SEARCH means to them. 

 

DFN Project SEARCH CEO Claire Cookson said: “Our partnership with DOW Silicones is a fantastic programme that is helping change the lives of young people with learning disabilities and autism and supporting individuals to find meaningful jobs.” 
Today the charity has 69 internationally recognised programmes across the UK, Ireland and Iberia, and has supported over 1500 interns into work. Over 70% of Project SEARCH graduates obtain employment their lives are changed for the better.”

Thanks to everyone that has supported Project SEARCH, we look forward to sustaining the programme over many years to come and please read on for an update on the interns' progress following Project SEARCH.

Interns' Progress – Where they are now

Ewan Heppenstall

Following a successful end to his internships at Dow, Ewan was proactive in sourcing external placements to broaden his experience. Back in the summer Ewan started a work placement with CF10 Retail who provide all the hospitality and retail services for Cardiff and Vale College. Further to this he also gained a second work placement with the Academy Espresso Bar in Barry.

Ewan Heppenstall
Ewan Heppenstall

After several weeks of work placements Ewan found himself in the unique situation where he was offer two career opportunities with both companies. Ewan decided to accept the offer from CF10 Retail, and he is now a valued member of the team based in the Simply Fresh store at the Cardiff and Vale College City Campus.

Zackari Cooke

Zac completed his internships at Dow in flying form, becoming a well-respected member of the team. This success has carried him with confidence into the world outside Dow. With a love for football, Zac has always had a dream to work in sport and it is this passion that has led him to begin an incredible opportunity with Cardiff City.

Zackari Cooke
Zackari Cooke

Zac in now volunteering several days a week with the Cardiff City Community Foundation by coaching and assisting with their inclusion programmes. He now regularly coaches young children with a variety of disabilities including hearing impairments, autism and learning difficulties. Zac has quickly become a key member of the team, and he is currently working towards his football coaching badges with the hope of gaining employment with the foundation in the future.

Thomas Case

Tom had to overcome a variety of challenges whilst on his internships with Dow, but through hard work and perseverance he overcame his barriers which has made him a very employable and confident person.

Thomas Case
Thomas Case

Following the end of the course Tom has been successful in gaining several interviews with employers in the Automotive Industry. We all wish Tom the very best of luck!


Llinell Gymorth Busnes Cymru

03000 6 03000

Mae'r llinellau ar agor rhwng 10am a 4pm o ddydd Llun i ddydd Gwener.

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg.
We welcome calls in Welsh.